Bare rooted plants can only be successfully planted when plants are dormant i.e. above-ground plant growth has ceased for the season. This is typically from mid-October to the end of March.

Before planting, mark out ideally with canes, where the plants are going to be planted. See Tips and Advice for hedging plant spacings.

For bare rooted plants with simple fibrous root formation – and plants up to 90 cms tall. These plants can be slit-planted:

1. Insert the spade in the ground to the depth of the root truck – by observing the soil mark where the plant root had been growing to. Wriggle the spade back and forward to make a slit in the ground.

2. Simply insert the plant root gently into the slit you’ve made to the soil mark depth – which is usually where the roots start growing below the stem.

3. Compress the soil around the base of the plant fairly firmly with your heel. Test for compression by gently pulling the plant upwards – if no movement the soil is sufficiently compressed.

4. Stake each plant in an upright position with a cane – if planted in a windy location or it appears necessary.

5. If the ground is dry water the plant in.

For bare rooted plants with a well-developed fibrous root formation – hedging plants of any size:

These plants will need to be planted as per pot grown hedging plants. See Tips and Advice for successful hedge planting – Pot Grown plants.