Plant bare-root hedging

We plant bare-root hedging from leaf fall in October to bud burst in March. To do this, dig out a trench and loosen the sides to aid future root penetration. Mix wellrotted organic matter and bonemeal into the removed soil, then refill the trench and firm down. Soak the plants in a bucket of water for an hour, fan out their roots, then plant by slotting them in against the back of a spade at the required spacing. A double staggered row will make a denser hedge more quickly. Smaller, younger plants may take longer to grow, but often establish better in the long run.

Slightly damp but not overly wet soil is best for hedge planting