Box trees can be used to plant taller privacy hedges as well as pretty borders for paths, beds and seats. Over time, the small plants grow into a dense green border that is easy to keep in shape. When planting the plants, you should consider the following tips.
How do you plant a boxwood hedge correctly?
To plant a boxwood hedge, you will need boxwood plants, a spade, a rake, string and stakes. Prepare the area, space the plants 15-30 cm apart and cut them back before watering the hedge and keeping it moist.
This is what you need to plant a box hedge
The boxwood (Buxus) is ideal for edging beds, especially if you choose a slow-growing variety. This can be used to separate paths from the planting areas. The plants will stay small, compact and grow densely if you cut them once or twice a year. Box is also evergreen and not only ensures order in the garden, but also provides color all year round.
To border a bed with boxwood you need:
- small or large boxwood plants, depending on the desired height
- a spade
- a rake
- a string
- two sticks or stakes to fix the same
- a watering can
How to plant the hedge
Before you put the box in the ground, you should first dig up the area thoroughly, loosen the soil and clear it of stones and weeds. Then rake the planting area thoroughly and crumble the larger chunks of soil. Now stretch a string along the line along which the hedge should run. This will serve as a guideline for you later. It continues as follows:
- Measure the planting distances.
- These depend on how big the plants are.
- One-year-old boxwood can be planted every 15 centimeters, older ones definitely need spacing of up to 30 centimeters.
- Depending on the variety, you will need between six and ten plants per meter.
- Dip the root balls in a bucket of water before planting.
- The roots should be able to soak up water easily.
- Dig the planting holes.
- These should be at least 15 centimeters deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Plant the plants and press the soil firmly.
- You can mix the excavated material with compost and horn shavings.
- Cut the plantlets back by about a third if necessary.
- Water the freshly planted boxwood well.
Finally, spread the remaining soil from the excavation with a spade and rake.
Tip
In the next few weeks, make sure to keep the boxwood nice and moist. This allows the roots to grow faster.