Hedge plants in summer
Summer is here again. At last! We can start enjoying the sunshine and the long evenings together as usual. We spend a lot more time outdoors during the summer. If possible, we spend more time in our own garden as well. Of course you want your garden to look nice and everything to grow and bloom. That includes your hedge plants! That's why we've put together a number of tips for you. In this blog, you'll read how to make your hedge plants blossom this summer!
Not all hedge plants are the same. This means that the maintenance of each hedge plant is also different. For example, it may depend on the growth rate of the hedge, the plant height, the color, and so on. The treatment of a hedge that has been planted for years differs from one that has just been planted. Nevertheless, we have collected some general tips that will be useful for most hedges.
Watering
In general, hedge plants need very little watering. They often get enough water from the soil. In the summer, however, this can be a completely different story. Particularly if it is extremely dry! To ensure that your hedge continues to grow and bloom beautifully, you should water it every now and then during the summer months.
Be careful not to use the garden hose when the sun is shining. It is best to water hedge plants in the morning or evening. If you do this in full sunlight, the water will evaporate almost instantly. In addition, the leaves may start to burn at the edges. You do not want that! Water close to the root ball and build a small dike if necessary so the water is not wasted. Be careful not to water too much at once. Then you can literally flood the hedge. Water once or twice a week, and then about 10 to 15 liters per linear meter.
Pruning during the summer?
For most hedge plants, the rule is to prune them twice a year. In spring and once in autumn. However, there are also hedges that belong to the fast growers, such as the privet. With this type of hedges it is necessary to prune more often, especially in the months that they grow fastest. This is the period from April to about mid-September. Be careful not to prune in full sun! The branches that have been trimmed are extra vulnerable and could therefore burn in the warm sunlight. It is therefore better to wait until it is cloudy, or a little cooler.
Don't feel like pruning your hedge two or more times a year? Then you can also choose to prune only once a year. The smartest time to do this is on the longest day of the year. This is also the day that summer begins, namely June 21. Before this day hedges always grow fast, because there is a lot of light and heat. There is, as it were, a growth spurt. The hedge really needs cutting then. Since it gets less light and warm after June 21, hedges also grow less fast. So if you trim on or around June 21, your hedge will last a long time and you only need to take the hedge trimmer out of the shed once a year.
Fertilizing
Hedge plants not only need water in the summer, but also nutrition. This nutrition can be obtained from manure. By fertilizing your hedge you add nutrients and minerals to the soil. This promotes growth, but also prevents leaf fall and protects the hedge from diseases and pests. Give the hedge organic fertilizer two times a year, around April and at the end of June.
It is best to apply the fertilizer around the bottom of the hedge. It is best to do it on a day or time before it starts raining. So keep a close eye on the weather forecast!
Planting a hedge in the summer?
The best period for planting a hedge is from September to the end of May. The summer months are not ideal for this. Especially if the soil is very dry and warm. The plants are not very happy with that. However, this applies to plants delivered with root ball wrapped in a jute bag. If the plant is delivered in a pot, it can, in principle, be planted all year round, even in summer. The pot protects the roots sufficiently. As long as it is not freezing!
Time to enjoy!
The most important tip we want to give you when it comes to hedge plants in the summer: Enjoy! After all that watering, pruning and fertilizing, your hedge is glowing. You've earned the right to sit out in the garden and enjoy the beautiful result!