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Thinking about planting a hedge that’s easy on your wallet and kind to the planet? Starter hedging plants might be just what you need. These young plants, sold as cell-grown plugs or in 9cm pots (P9s), are perfect for gardeners at any level—especially beginners, and can be planted at any time of the year, weather and enthusiasm permitting! They’re a low-cost, green way to build hedges that boost your privacy, invite wildlife, and look great all year round.
Why go with starter plants?
In a nutshell, they're a great option, but here are a few reasons why:
Budget conscious – Starter plants won’t burn a hole in your pocket, making it easy to cover a big space without overspending. Less plant feed is needed than with bigger plants so there are savings there too.
User-friendly – Thanks to their smaller size, they're easy to handle and plant—even if you’ve never gardened before. And no special equipment needed either.
Flexible planting times – You can plant cell-grown and pot-grown plants pretty much any time of year, so no need to wait for a specific season, unlike with bare roots and root balls.
Quick to settle In – These little plants are surprisingly resilient. They adapt fast and put down strong roots quickly. They might be small but they're mighty!
Eco-Smart – Growing from smaller plants cuts down on emissions tied to shipping or transporting big plants, and it’s a win for local ecosystems too, promoting long-term bio-diversity and creating habitat for wildlife.
Popular Starter Hedging Varieties
Here are some options which are tried and true - these plants are always reliable and work for different garden styles and purposes:
English Yew (Taxus baccata)– the true ‘King of Hedges’, English Yew is the perfect formal evergreen hedge and easy to shape.
Choosing starter plants is a smart move for the long haul. With just a bit of care and time, they’ll grow into full, beautiful hedges that not only enhance your space but support local nature too. We've got starte hedging plant options in lots of species besides the ones mentioned above - take a look through our full hedging range here.
What's the difference between a plug and a P9?
Sometimes it's hard to de-code the tech speak on small plants, so below we'll explain what both of these plant types are, so you understand the difference.
Cell-grown plug plants explained
Cell-grown plug plants are young seedlings raised in trays, where each plant grows in its own compost-filled 'cell'. Though small, these plants have tough little root systems ready to get going.
Perks:
No root tangles – Each one grows in its own cell, so transplanting causes minimal shock.
Small but mighty – Sizes from 15/20cm to 30/50cm tall depending on species, they’re super easy to plant in large numbers.
Light & manageable – Great for new gardeners or if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
Quick to settle in – The roots are ready to stretch out as soon as they hit your soil.
Planting anytime – As long as the soil’s not frozen or soaked, you're good to go year-round.
Best for: Big planting jobs, hedgerows, wildlife-friendly gardens, and keeping costs low.
What's a 9cm (P9) potted plant?
These are a step up in size—young plants grown in plastic pots about 9cm wide. They're more developed than plugs, with a bit more compost to support stronger roots.
Highlights:
More room to grow – Bigger root systems mean they're often sturdier and establish a bit faster.
Still easy to plant – A bit larger, but still small enough to manage easily.
Other plant choices – Some slower-growing or delicate varieties are easier to find in this size.
Less stress – The pot protects the roots better, making the move into your garden smoother.
Best for: Smaller or more decorative gardens, mixed borders, or if you want a slightly more mature start.
Best for: Smaller or more decorative gardens, mixed borders, or if you want a slightly more mature start.
Summary
Both are super options—it really comes down to how fast you want results, how much you want to spend, and how much ground you’re looking to cover. Don’t forget we have a 12 month guarantee*, so you can buy and plant them confident in the knowledge that if anything doesn’t go to plan, we’ve got you covered. *Terms and conditions apply.
Let your garden grow the sustainable eco-friendly way - one starter plant at a time!
