How to plant a shrub

in Home : Projects: Planting

You will need

  • Shrub
  • Fork
  • Spade
  • Compost
Do it: autumn and winter
Takes just: 45 minutes

Project categories

Overview

Shrubs are useful building blocks when you're planning a garden, providing structure and substance. Winter is an ideal time to assess your garden and see if there's an empty space that's just right for a new shrub.

How to do it

Planting a shrub

1Choose an open site and fork over the soil, mixing in lots of compost. Dig a deep planting hole and place the shrub's rootball in the centre.

Filling hole with compost

2Spread the roots around the hole then backfill with soil enriched with compost to cover them, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.

Mulching around the shrub

3Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.

Adam's tip

Use bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish that will hold in the moisture.

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