How to plant a bare-root hedge
Find out how to plant a bare-root hedge in winter, with the help of our practical guide.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
The perfect time to plant a new hedge is between October and February. Bare-root hedging plants, like beech, hornbeam and yew are ideal as they're cheap and easy to plant during the dormant season.
Before planting your bare-root hedging, prepare the site by digging over the ground 30cm either side of the hedge line. Also, remove weeds and add bonemeal to promote root growth, as you go.
To get bare-root hedge plants off to the best start, it's critical that the roots are kept moist after delivery. Unwrap, then soak the bundle for an hour in a bucket of water, then plant.
Here's how to plant a bare-root hedge.
You Will Need
- Bare-root hedging plants
- Secateurs
- Garden spade
- Line and reel or length of wood
Total time: 1 hour
Step 1
Lightly prune the roots of the bare-root plants with secateurs to encourage vigorous new growth.
Step 2
Cut a V-shaped trench as deep as the plant roots. Ensure it's straight by using a taut line.
Step 3
Insert plants into the trench at 45cm spacings – this is suitable for most hedging plants.
Step 4
Ensure plants are at the same depth they were previously and tread soil in around their roots.
Offers from Gardeners' World
Pre-planted Strawberry 'Sweet Summer' Hanging Baskets
Supplied as 2 x 25cm pre-planted hanging baskets.
Sponsored content
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
