Planting holly in chalk

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by lsg, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. lsg

    lsg Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    Ratings:
    +0
    I would like to plant some 5ft holly trees in an area of my garden. When I started to dig holes for them, I discovered that the ground consists of pure chalk - there appears to be no topsoil at all. I could add top soil/compost etc when I plant the trees, but will this ground hinder the growth of the holly? Does anyone have any suggestions? Many thanks.
     
  2. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2008
    Messages:
    17,778
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Here
    Ratings:
    +19,601
    Chalk makes for alkaline soil, whereas holly prefers slightly acid soil. You may have some problems with that. Adding compost won't do any harm (in fact it will help). Perhaps you could dig the holes deeper and much wider than is required for the holly trees, and fill with ericaceous compost. The trouble is, when it rains, if the rain water passes through the chalk and into your acid compost, it will gradually turn it alkaline.
     
  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    34,048
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +54,088
    I've got chalk subsoil and holly grows OK in my garden. I think you'll get away with making some big planting holes and filling up with compost going by my experience. Chalk drains very quickly so the roots will dry out, so you need to water them regularly for a couple of years. When I transplanted mine the top growth died off because I didn't water them enough to start with, they have recovered now.
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice