Shrubs are great allies for adding greenery to your garden. Integrating shrubs into your green space is essential for improving the aesthetics and biodiversity of the environment. When designing your garden, you should consider including shrubs, as they provide shade, delineate spaces, and contribute colors and textures that enrich the landscape. It's important to know that, although some shrubs are purchased bare-root, most are purchased in plastic pots, depending on the location or nursery where they come from.
When planting your shrub, it's essential to dig a hole proportional to the size of the root ball or pot. The larger the hole, the better the shrub will be anchored in the soil, allowing it to develop a stronger and more stable root system.
It's important to consider the distance between shrubs. The distance needed will depend on both the size of each species and the desired density of the planting. Generally, groups of shrubs are planted 1, 1.5, or 2 meters apart. This is crucial to avoid competition for light, water, and nutrients, which could affect plant growth.
Soil Preparation for Planting
The next step is to mix well the soil that has been removed from the hole with 1 or 2 kilos of manure, mulch, peat or other organic fertilizer. This soil enrichment technique is essential, as it provides the necessary nutrients so the shrub can establish itself optimally. For more information on preparing your garden, see [tips for planting hedges for enclosures](https://www.jardineriaon.com/tips-for-planting-hedges-for-enclosures.html). With good organic fertilizer, it's possible to avoid mineral fertilizer at planting time. However, as the shrub grows, it will be necessary to use slow-release fertilizers or agricultural fertilizers to ensure its healthy development.
Once the hole is prepared, it is crucial settle the enriched soil well with organic fertilizer. You can use your foot or the handle of a hoe to press the soil around the root ball, ensuring the roots are well covered and supported. This process is vital to prevent the shrub from moving or shifting due to wind or irrigation.
It is recommended water abundantly After planting, if possible, make a small hole around the plant so the water remains in the area for a few minutes, ensuring the shrub receives the necessary hydration to establish itself.
The Importance of the Planting Season
It's important to keep in mind that the time of year also influences the success of shrub planting. Deciduous trees and shrubs should be planted during the fall and winter, when they enter a dormant or growing season. This allows the shrub to adapt to its new location without the stress of excessive summer heat and with the advantage of the soil still being warm, which facilitates rooting.
During the months of September and October, you can dedicate yourself to adding shrubs such as berries, strawberry trees, bay trees, and olive trees to your garden. October is a good time to plant roses and conifers. Knowing the right planting time for each species not only improves the chances of success but also ensures vigorous and healthy growth for your plants.
Distances between Plants
When planting shrubs or trees in the garden, it's vital to maintain the proper spacing between them. This distance should be calculated based on their adult size and how much space they need to grow properly. Planting trees and shrubs too close together can lead to long-term complications, including poor rooting and competition for resources. It's generally recommended to maintain spacing of 1 to 3 meters, depending on the type of plant. A good resource to better understand planting spacing is the article on [when to plant trees and shrubs](https://www.jardineriaon.com/when-to-plant-trees-and-shrubs.html).
It's also important to consider the placement of shrubs in relation to other elements in your garden, such as paths, buildings, or other plants. Proper planning of shrub placement can make a big difference not only in the aesthetics of your garden, but also in the health and growth of your plants.
Protocol for Digging the Hole
To dig the hole effectively, choose a suitable day, avoiding adverse weather conditions such as strong wind or rain. Start digging with a shovel, making a hole wide and deep enough to comfortably accommodate the plant's root ball.
A useful tip is water the soil well A day before planting, so that it's moist and easier to dig. This little trick will also benefit the plant, as it makes the planting process easier. When digging, it's important to avoid compacting the soil, which can hinder root growth.
Root Inspection and Care
Before placing the shrub in the hole, it's important to check the roots to make sure they're in good condition. If your shrub was in a container and the roots were very tight, it may be necessary to do some light pruning before planting. Make sure cut off any damaged or tangled rootsIf you want to limit the plant's growth, you can also prune the roots, but this should be done during the dormant period, ideally in autumn or winter. To learn more about some species, see the article on [winter-flowering shrubs](https://www.jardineriaon.com/winter-blooming-shrubs.html).
Careful root inspection is a critical step that can make all the difference in the success of your shrub planting. A healthy root ball will promote proper plant development in its new environment.
Settlement of the Cepellón
Once you've dug the hole and checked the roots, it's time to place the plant's root ball into the planting hole. Before inserting the root ball, if necessary, stake it with a stake or stake to help support the shrub in its first few years.
After placing the plant, fill the hole with the soil you removed and make sure it is well compacted around the root ball. This is important to eliminate airbags that could affect root growth. Proper establishment ensures that the shrub remains firm and stable as it adapts to its new home.
Tutoring New Plants
When planting shrubs or trees, the question often arises as to whether or not these plants need to be trained. This depends largely on the area in which your garden is located and the characteristics of the plants. If the area is exposed to strong winds, training is essential to protect the plant from the effects of wind. In this regard, you might be interested in articles such as [how to plant a holly tree](https://www.jardineriaon.com/how-to-plant-a-holly.html).
To stake properly, place a thick stake or support in the planting hole before inserting the root ball. After planting, tie the shrub to the stake with rubber bands that won't damage the tree's bark. This will ensure the plant thrives during its first few years of life, when it's most vulnerable. The stakes should be removed between 18 and 36 months after planting, depending on the type of plant and weather conditions.
Bare Root Planting
When it comes to species that don't have a root ball, such as bare-root shrubs, great care must be taken during planting. These types of shrubs are generally more economical, but require more meticulous management. When planting bare-root shrubs, follow these recommendations:
- Plant your bare-root plants immediately after purchasing them. Don't wait.
- Choose plants with roots that spread out in several directions, not all pointing in one direction.
- Before planting, hydrate the roots by soaking them in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes.
- Dig a wide hole, at least three times larger than the diameter of the roots.
Following these steps will ensure that the bare roots adapt properly to their new environment and that the shrub establishes itself effectively.
The process of planting shrubs isn't complicated, but it does require attention to detail and care. Make sure you follow each step carefully to ensure your shrubs grow healthy and beautiful in your garden. If you have an outdoor space, don't underestimate the power of shrubs in creating a visually appealing and diverse environment.
