How to Make Your Own Garden Hedge

Choose the plants that you want to use for your hedge. Low growing plants are a good choice if you are looking to create a natural border. Higher plants are useful for privacy purposes. Also consider the color and thickness of the hedge you are planning to create. Take into account the temperature and elements in your area and pick a plant that can withstand those conditions.

Plant the items that you want in your hedge. Make sure to use gardening gloves to protect your hands and a good, sturdy shovel. If you want a thicker hedge, plant several rows of plants. You will want to stagger the rows so that the rows fill in together. Make sure you allow for enough room between the plants and any wall or fence that may already be there; the hedge should grow into that wall, not be pushed into growing away from it. The thicker you plant your hedge, the more privacy it will offer, but be careful not to plant too many rows, as they will be hard to maintain and keep neat in appearance.

Prune, prune, prune. You can purchase a good quality of pruning shears from your local home and garden store. The hedge will need constant maintenance to keep its shape and to not look overgrown. Try not to pick plants that flower; though constant pruning will keep them from flowering, they tend to grow in a sprawling pattern. The bigger the leaves that you have, the neater your hedge will look in appearance.

Allow room for growth. Hedges will grow as tall as they will wide for most plants, unless you specifically pick narrow plants. Make sure that your plan for your hedge allows enough room for your hedge to grow out as well as up or you may wind up with a hedge that dies off. Water them well and watch your hedge grow into a great decorative element in your garden.