STEP BY STEP

1 Dig over the soil to a fork’s depth. Add helpings of compost, rotted manure or leaf mould to loosen and improve it. 2 Lay out plants first. Five per 1m (3¼ft) for double hedging, three for single. Dig holes big enough for roots to spread. 3 Plant bare-roots into holes, using a sprinkle of Rootgrow in each – it will help plants establish and root well.

4 Mulch the surface of soil 5-8cm (2-3in) deep with garden compost to retain moisture.