Best Time to Plant Bare Root Hedge: A Complete Guide for Gardeners

If you fancy sprucing up your garden with a lovely piece of hedge, you will first of all want to choose the perfect time of year to plant. It is best to plant bare root hedges when the plants are in a dormant phase, which is usually from October to February. Hawthorn, Hornbeam and Cherry Laurel were the better hedging plants that were successfully planted during the months of Autumn and Winter.

Why the Dormant Season is the Best Time to Plant Bare Root Hedges

Planting dormant bare root hedges is great because the plants are in their resting state, so all the energy is going into producing roots, rather than forcing out new shoots. Plant between October and February, and you have given your hedge the chance to establish before the growing season begins.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Bare Root Hedge Plants

  1. Prepare the Ground for Your Hedge The best way to ensure your bare root hedge plants have a successful start to life is to prepare the soil well in advance of planting. Dig over about 30cm of soil on either side of the line where your hedge will form. This will ensure that the roots spread freely and have a good support network. Remove any weeds, so they cannot steal nutrients from your hedge. Aiding root growth, adding bonemeal to the soil will give your hedge a good solid base.
  2. Keep Bare Root Hedge Plants Moist Bare root hedging plants need to be kept moist before planting. When your bare root plants arrive, unwrap them ASAP and soak their roots by placing them in a bucket of water for about an hour. This helps hydrate the roots and keeps them moist while you prepare to plant. Keeping the roots moist will ensure the best chance for survival and growth.
  3. Planting Your Bare Root Hedge When it comes time to plant, insert each bare root hedge plant into the prepped soil one at a time. Spread the roots out, naturally, and make sure they are fully covered with soil. Press the soil down with your boot heel to make sure there are no air pockets, and to secure the hedge as it establishes itself. Water well and often, especially in the first month or so after planting.

Why Choose Bare Root Hedging?

Among the most economical, bare root hedging plants are incredibly easy to plant. Whether you’re looking to create a natural border, add privacy or bring a sense of structure to your garden, bare root hedges are a great place to start. It’s the best time of year to plant, as these hardy plants will have settled into their new surroundings ahead of the spring rush.

Maintaining Your Bare Root Hedge

After planting, it needs to be tended until it fully establishes. A newly planted hedge is well watered, especially in the first year, and mulched around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds down. After the first year, a light trim encourages vigorous growth in the following growing seasons, and the hedge is kept at a neat configuration.

When to Order Your Bare Root Hedge Plants

Sunnyside Nurseries is a grower of bare-root hedging plants ideal for autumn (dormant season) planting. Our winter round of bare root orders will start very soon (please email us for a copy of our new available stock list). We have a range of hedging plants to suit all needs, whether you are a professional gardener or novice.

The Benefits of Bare Root Hedging:

Cost-effective and eco-friendly

Easier to plant and handle

Ideal for larger planting projects

The quick establishment with proper care

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