Soil preparation

As your hedge will be in place hopefully for life then it is essential that the soil is prepared well before planting. Remember the more work you do before planting the easier it will be when you begin planting.
An area of 2-3ft wide is the minimum required to plant a hedge to aid good establishment. Remove any existing weed growth (ideally spraying with weed killer 6-8 weeks prior to planting). Make sure this area is dug over to a minimum depth of 18 inches. Incorporate plenty of organic matter when digging the area (compost/well rotted manure).

Planting

Before you begin to plant your plant, it is recommended that you find out the pH level of your soil. Soil testing kits can be purchased at any local garden centre. With some exceptions, most plants will thrive when the pH level is somewhere between 5.8 and 6.5. It's difficult for plants to obtain the essential nutrients they require if the level is too high or too low. To adjust a pH level which is too high, meaning the soil is alkaline, add aluminum sulfate. If the soil is acidic and the pH level too low adding lime will create more favorable planting conditions.

Once you are satisfied with the soils condition you will need to firstly decide on the position of the plant.  Do consider other factors such as windy, sunny, shady conditions, as certain plants will benefit more in certain conditions that others.

Start to dig a hold at least 2 - 4 times the size of the rootball and just slightly deeper.  Make sure that you loosen up the bottom of the hole before you set the plant, this will allow easier penetration for the root systems and aid drainage and oxygen levels.   Remember not to plant the plant too deeply as this is the major cause of premature plant decline.




Add with a mix of existing soil, peat moss and compost prior to backfilling the hole.



The distance between plants can vary (usually between 2-3ft) it may depend on the plants vigour. To create a hedge more effectively we advise a double staggered row be planted. Please view the description of your plant for planting distances.

Plants must be planted to the soil mark on the stem roots must be spread evenly. Work soil between the roots and firm around plants with your heel. Regardless of time of year plants must be watered well after planting, we also advise applying a mulch around the plants to aid establishment and keep the area weed free.

Once you have backfilled the soil mix around the plant, you can lightly press in the soil around the base of the plant to 'firm in the plant'.
 
Put some mild pressure on the soil to secure the plant. Since most plants like fluffy, porous soil, avoid compacting soil all around the plant - two steps, one to the right, on to the left, are often enough to anchor the plant.

You have now successfully planted your shrub.  You can finish off by clearing away any left over debris around the base of your plant.
 
Apply 2 to 3 inches of bark mulch over the planted area. Mulching helps to reduce weed growth, retain moisture in the soil and will eventually break down adding organic material to the soil.

Water immediately after planting, this is essential as it helps to wash the soil between the roots, and refreshes the plant in its new home. Watering has to be right for every plant. Some of the smaller garden plants such as alpines need only a short soft shower to be fully soaked. Too much water would wash soil away and expose roots to drying in the sun and wind.  Most perennials and smaller shrubs need a deep soaking, and some gardeners like to give a second deep soaking the same day just to make sure they soaked down deep enough. When planting larger shrubs and trees, it is best to fill up the planting hole with water before the plant is placed, in order to saturate the soil even in greater depth. The plant is placed after all water has disappeared. After planting, another deep soaking will be necessary.

Aftercare

Watering is essential in the first two growing seasons so make sure regular watering is carried out particularly in drier parts of the year. You can also top dress every year with a general purpose fertilizer and re-apply mulch as required. Keep area weed free and stake any plants that need it.

Notes

On poorly drained soils it is best to make sure the area is properly drained, or chose a plant that is more suited to the area. If the area becomes waterlogged in winter for any length of time it will require a permanent drainage system.
On free draining soils try to incorporate good quantities of organic matter to aid establishment and water retention. Mulching these types of soils is a must.
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