Planting Essentials

Choose the Right Planting Essentials for Your Hedge

Successful establishment depends on more than choosing healthy hedge plants. The soil must be properly prepared, the roots need consistent moisture and young plants may require protection from rabbits, wind and competing weeds.

The products in this section are organised into four main categories:

• Plant Feed and Fertiliser
• Hedge Irrigation
• Compost and Mulch
• Plant Protection

The most suitable combination will depend on the type and size of hedge, the length of the planting line, the existing soil and whether rabbits or other grazing animals are present.

For detailed planting instructions, read our complete guide on how to plant a hedge.

Prepare the Soil with Hedge Planting Compost

Good soil preparation allows hedge roots to spread beyond the original planting hole or trench. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground and investigate drainage problems before planting.

Our peat-free Hedge Planting Compost can be mixed with the excavated soil where additional organic matter would improve soil structure, moisture retention or drainage.

Use it as a soil conditioner rather than filling the entire trench with compost alone. The roots must be able to move into the surrounding soil as the hedge establishes.

Use Mulch to Reduce Moisture Loss

Applying mulch over the prepared soil can help retain moisture and reduce competition from weeds.

Keep mulch away from direct contact with the main stems and avoid building a deep mound against the plants. Check beneath the mulch regularly, as the surface may appear damp even when the soil around the roots is becoming dry.

Browse our complete Compost and Mulch range for products suited to new and established hedge lines.

Apply Rootgrow at Planting

Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi is applied when the hedge is planted. The beneficial fungi form an association with the roots, helping the plant access water and nutrients from the surrounding soil.

Rootgrow needs direct contact with the roots. It should not simply be scattered over the soil surface after planting.

The included dipping gel is useful for bare-root hedging, while the dry granules can be applied directly to the roots of pot-grown and root-balled plants according to the instructions.

Choose the pack size according to the number and size of plants being installed. Options are available for domestic garden hedges, longer planting lines and trade or commercial projects.

Rootgrow for Different Hedge Root Types

For bare-root hedge plants, prepare and use the dipping gel as instructed before the roots are placed in the trench.

For pot-grown hedge plants and root-balled hedging, position the granules where they will remain in direct contact with the root system.

Rootgrow supports establishment but does not replace correct planting depth, suitable soil preparation or regular watering.

Keep New Hedges Watered with Irrigation

Newly planted hedges need consistent watering while their roots establish. This is especially important during dry, warm or windy weather and when planting larger pot-grown, root-balled or instant hedging.

Water slowly and thoroughly so moisture reaches the full depth of the root system. Light rainfall can wet the soil surface without reaching the lower roots.

For longer hedge lines, a dedicated hedge irrigation system can make watering more even and easier to manage.

Porous Pipe for Hedge Watering

Bronte Porous Pipe provides gradual trickle irrigation along a planting line. It can be positioned close to the root zone so that water is distributed along the hedge rather than being applied only at one end.

Check the system while it is running to make sure every section receives water. Pressure, slope and the length of the installation can affect distribution.

Complete Hedge and Garden Irrigation

Our Hedge and Garden Irrigation range includes components for building a watering system around the length, layout and water source of the planting area.

Plan the irrigation before the hedge is planted where possible. It is easier to position pipework accurately while the trench and root areas are still accessible.

Irrigation should be checked regularly rather than assumed to be working correctly. Blocked outlets, damaged pipework or uneven pressure can leave individual plants without enough water.

Protect Young Hedge Plants from Rabbits

Rabbits can eat young shoots and damage the bark of newly planted hedging, particularly on rural sites, field boundaries, developments and gardens where rabbit activity is already known.

Browse our Plant Protection range for spiral guards and supporting canes.

Spiral rabbit guards are most suitable for young, single-stemmed hedge plants. Bushy, multi-stemmed or larger plants may require rabbit netting, temporary fencing or another form of protection.

Support Guards with Garden Canes

Use Garden Canes to keep spiral guards upright and reduce movement in windy conditions.

Position the cane carefully so it supports the guard without damaging the roots or rubbing against the plant stem. Check guards periodically and adjust or remove them before they become restrictive.

Plant protection should be chosen according to the risk at the site. Rabbit guards will not provide suitable protection against every animal, and sites affected by deer or livestock may need a broader barrier.

Apply Hedge Feed After Planting

Hedge Feed is a granular fertiliser for feeding hedges after planting and as part of their ongoing care.

Apply it over the soil around the root area according to the product instructions. Avoid placing concentrated fertiliser directly against exposed roots or piling it against the stems.

Water after feeding where required so nutrients can begin moving into the soil. Feeding works best alongside good soil preparation, reliable watering and control of grass and weeds.

Do not use fertiliser as a substitute for investigating other causes of weak growth. Dry roots, waterlogging, deep planting, compacted soil and damaged irrigation can all affect a hedge regardless of how much feed is applied.

Browse our wider range of Plant Feed and Fertiliser for hedges, trees, shrubs and other garden plants.

Planting Essentials for Different Types of Hedging

The products required can vary according to the root type and starting size of the hedge.

Bare-Root Hedge Plants

Bare-root plants are supplied without pots or surrounding compost during the dormant planting season.

Rootgrow dipping gel, soil preparation products, rabbit guards and canes are particularly relevant when planting longer lines of young bare-root hedging. A dependable watering plan is still required, even when planting during cooler weather.

Browse our Bare-Root Hedge Plants for economical options suited to longer boundaries and larger planting quantities.

Pot-Grown Hedge Plants

Pot-grown plants are supplied with their roots established in compost. The root ball should be watered before planting and kept consistently moist while new roots move into the surrounding soil.

Rootgrow can be applied directly against the roots, while Hedge Planting Compost can be mixed with the excavated soil where improvement is needed.

Browse our Pot-Grown Hedge Plants for year-round planting options.

Root-Balled Hedge Plants

Root-balled plants are field grown and lifted with soil around the roots during the dormant season. Their larger size means careful handling, soil preparation and establishment watering are particularly important.

Position irrigation close to the full root ball and check the soil at depth. A damp surface does not always mean the centre or surrounding soil has received enough water.

Browse our Root-Balled Hedging for larger seasonal hedge plants.

Instant Hedging

Instant Hedging Plants provide established sections of hedge and require a prepared, level trench.

Because instant hedge units have substantial root systems and foliage, irrigation should be planned before installation. Water must reach the full root zone along the entire length of the hedge.

Rootgrow can be applied at planting, while Hedge Feed should be used afterwards in accordance with its instructions.

Buying Planting Essentials for Larger Projects

We supply planting essentials to retail, trade and commercial customers working on domestic gardens, landscape installations, developments, estates and longer hedge-planting schemes.

Calculate the number of hedge plants first, then match the quantity of Rootgrow, compost, guards, canes and irrigation to the plant size, root type and length of the planting line.

The Planting Essentials calculator in the checkout can help add suitable quantities to an order. Quantities should still be checked against the individual product instructions and the conditions at the site.

For help with a larger order, contact our nursery team with the hedge length, plant size, root type and information about the soil and available water supply.

Why Buy Planting Essentials from Hedging Plants Direct?

Buying hedge plants and planting products from the same established family-run nursery makes it easier to match the accessories to the size, root type and number of plants being ordered.

Our range covers the main stages of planting and establishment:

• Soil preparation with compost and mulch
• Root support with Rootgrow
• Consistent watering with hedge irrigation
• Rabbit protection using guards and canes
• Feeding after planting with Hedge Feed

We supply gardeners, landscapers, trade buyers and commercial customers across the UK. Browse the categories above or contact our nursery team for help selecting products for your planting project.

Planting Essentials FAQs

What Planting Essentials Do I Need for a New Hedge?

The main requirements are suitable soil preparation, Rootgrow at planting, reliable watering and protection from rabbits where they are present.

Hedge Planting Compost may be useful where the soil needs additional organic matter. Hedge Feed can be applied after planting according to the instructions.

The exact combination will depend on the root type, plant size, hedge length and site conditions.

Do I Need to Use Rootgrow When Planting a Hedge?

Rootgrow is not a replacement for correct planting and watering, but it can be used to support root establishment.

It must be applied in direct contact with the roots. Follow the product instructions for bare-root, pot-grown or root-balled plants.

Can I Fill the Planting Trench with Hedge Planting Compost?

Hedge Planting Compost should normally be mixed with the excavated soil where it will improve the existing ground.

Avoid planting the hedge into a narrow trench filled only with compost. The roots need to move into the surrounding soil, so drainage and compaction across the wider planting area must also be addressed.

When Should I Apply Hedge Feed?

Hedge Feed is used after planting and as part of ongoing hedge care. Apply it over the soil around the root area according to the instructions on the product.

Do not place concentrated feed directly against exposed roots in the planting trench.

How Often Should a Newly Planted Hedge Be Watered?

There is no single schedule suitable for every site. Watering frequency depends on the weather, soil type, plant size, root type and exposure.

Check the soil around the roots and water thoroughly when needed. Sandy soil can dry quickly, while heavy soil holds moisture for longer and should not be kept waterlogged.

Is Hedge Irrigation Worth Installing?

Irrigation is particularly useful for long hedge lines, larger plants, instant hedging and sites that would be difficult to water evenly by hand.

A system still needs to be tested and monitored. Installing irrigation does not guarantee that every plant is receiving the correct amount of water.

Do All New Hedge Plants Need Rabbit Guards?

No. Guards are needed where rabbits are present or likely to reach the planting area.

Standard spiral guards are generally most suitable for younger, single-stemmed plants. Larger or bushier hedge plants may need fencing or a different protection method.

Why Should Spiral Guards Be Supported with Canes?

A cane helps keep the guard upright and reduces movement in windy conditions.

Check the cane and guard regularly to ensure they are not rubbing against the stem or restricting the plant as it develops.

Can These Planting Essentials Be Used for Trees and Shrubs?

Several products in the range can also be used when planting trees, shrubs and other garden plants. Check the individual product description and instructions before application, as quantities and methods can vary.

Can I Order Planting Essentials with My Hedge Plants?

Yes. Planting products can be added alongside hedge plants so the compost, Rootgrow, feed, irrigation and protection needed for the project are included within the order.

Use the checkout calculator as a guide and confirm quantities against the product instructions before completing a larger planting scheme.