March is a remarkable month in the garden, marking the onset of spring with a rapid surge of growth. According to gardening expert Monty Don, while it may be too early for planting tender young seedlings, it is an ideal time to plant woody shrubs.
Don explains that planting woody shrubs in March allows roots to begin growing before the demands of new foliage become overwhelming, particularly for bare-root plants. Shrubs are long-lasting garden plants that offer immediate maturity, gorgeous flowers and foliage, and are largely trouble-free.
Shrubs are incredibly adaptable, serving as screens, flowering hedges, or garden features. Planting just one shrub this spring can bestow a garden with immediate structure and beauty for years to come.
For successful planting, Don advises removing every scrap of perennial weeds and digging a wide but shallow hole about nine inches deep. He suggests loosening the subsoil but adding no compost or soil improver. Don prefers dusting mycorrhizae over the roots to aid establishment and planting slightly proud of soil level, firming the roots to form a slight cone.
After planting, gardeners should water generously before applying a thick layer of quality compost as mulch. This ensures shrubs establish well and thrive for years.
