How to Plant Ivy

Ivy is a shade-loving plant that inhibits soil erosion and makes an excellent ground cover. Climbing ivy covers walls and fences in dense leaves. Varieties of ivy come in different shades of green, and have either large or small leaves. They are well suited to shady areas of the garden and hanging baskets, and can be trained to cover topiary forms. Planting ivy is easy, and care is minimal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compost
• Fertilizer

1. Work compost into the garden bed. Ivy prefers rich, well-draining loam soils.

2. Dig a small hole for the roots of the ivy. Plant ivy 12 to 18 inches apart in the bed. If you wish to train them up a trellis, wall or fence, plant them as close to the object as possible.

3. Water thoroughly. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can encourage disease. Keep the soil moist at all times.

4. Fertilize the ivy every two months after it becomes established--in approximately three months.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune ivy regularly to encourage lush growth.
• Remove diseased plants immediately to prevent spreading.

References

• The Garden Helper