Incorrectly growing ivy on a fence can create patches in the ivy or bares spots on the fence. Additionally, if you don't anticipate the path of the ivy, you could end up with ivy that bunches or trails along one side of the fence and not the other. Done properly, you can create an old-world appearance and have ivy climbing all along your fence. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Rake and hoe the ground along the fence line, removing all weeds and upturning all grass until you have a well-hoed patch of soil.
2. Unwind potted ivy transplants from the sticks or poles that planters provide for the ivy to crawl up on.
3. Dig a hole in the soil to a depth equal to the vine's rootball using the shovel.
4. Plant the first ivy vine in the middle of your fence and at 6 feet intervals if your fence measures longer than 6 feet. Ensure that you don't plant any bags or plastic potting material.
5. Top the rootball with soil left over from digging the hole.
6. Stretch the ivy vines outward along the fence line, so that you increase the chance the ivy will crawl upward and cover as much as the fence as possible.
7. Press the u-wire pegs over the vine and into the dirt at 1 to 2 foot intervals. The u-wire pegs consist of sections of stiff wire folded in the shape of a "U." By "stapling" the vine to the ground, you keep it from blowing around and give it time to crawl up the fence.
8. Water the main rootball, using the watering can, until the soil becomes damp but not over-saturated to the point that water pools.
Tags: your fence, along fence, along fence line, fence line, rootball using, u-wire pegs
