How to Plant Shrubs

Shrubs form the backbone of a garden plan, providing structure as well as flowers and foliage. Plants grown in containers can be planted year-round if you avoid days when the ground is frozen, or excessively wet or dry. Before planting, always check the label for the shrub's preferred site and soil.

It should take you about an hour to plant a shrub.

Materials Needed:

• spade and fork
• organic matter
• bucket
• mulching material

Dig a Hole

Dig over the soil thoroughly, removing any weeds and working in plenty of well-decomposed manure or compost. Make the planting hole twice the diameter of the container and a little deeper.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Garden Design © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Plant the Shrub

Stand the plant in its container in a bucket of water and leave it to soak. Remove the plant from its pot and tease out any thick, encircling roots. Plant at the same depth it was in its pot. Backfill with soil.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Garden Design © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Water Generously

Firm soil gently, ensuring the shrub is upright and that it is sitting in the most shallow spot in the hole. Water generously, then spread a mulch of organic matter, keeping it away from the stems.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Garden Design © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited