Plant an Informal Hedge

A mix of shrubs that provide cover and food for wildlife is easy to take care and provides decades of beauty.

Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
Filed under: Edging, How To

Plant in Trenches

For a really straight hedge, dig out a long trench rather than individual holes. Plant one line at a time and position the plants along its length, about 14 inches apart. Alternate the different plant species for a mosaic effect.

Dig Out Long Trench To Ensure Straight Hedge

Check Planting Depths

Hedging plants suffer when planted too deeply or shallowly, so take care to ensure that they are at the same depth as they were in the nursery, or in their pots. The stems will be darker where they previously touched the soil.

Stagger Planting

If planting a double row, stagger the second line, so that the plants grow in the gaps between those in the first row. Water in all plants well, and mulch with organic matter, keeping it clear of the stems. Water the hedge regularly throughout the first year.