Bay (Laurus nobilis), also known as bay laurel or the bay tree, is an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves, known as bay leaves. Laurus nobilis one of the oldest shrubs in cultivation, introduced to British gardens in from as early as 1650. It’s an essential foliage plant for herb gardens – bay leaves can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups and stews and even ice cream, and are the main ingredient in a ‘bouquet garni’. They can be dried for storing or used fresh.
Bay is slow-growing and, while a plant will eventually become a tree up to 8m tall, it will take many years to do this and can be clipped to keep it at the desired size. Bay trees are traditionally trained and clipped as topiary, and bring a touch of formality to the garden. Laurus nobilis is often sold as a standard lollipop tree or shaped into a cone, or with plaited or spiral stems, and can be used as an alternative to yew or box topiary – especially useful as box is now affected by box tree caterpillar and box blight. Bay grows extremely well in pots and standard plants look particularly good either side of a front door, creating a formal, year-round display.
Bay is a dioecious plant, which means it has male and female flowers on separate plants. Male and female plants are not identified in garden centres, as most gardeners grow them only for their foliage. The flowers are insignificant and the berries are inedible.
Bay laurel is sometimes confused with cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica). These evergreen shrubs are mostly used as hedging and all parts of the plants are poisonous.
Whether you’re growing bay leaf, bay laurel, or sweet bay, properly spacing your bay plant is crucial for a thriving, gorgeous garden. Bay plants are not only culinary powerhouses, but with their glossy leaves and sculptural form, they make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, productive bay plant surrounded by beauty.
Why Proper Spacing Matters
Bay plants need adequate room to grow strong roots, sturdy branches, and lush leaves. Overcrowded plants compete for sunlight, water and nutrients, becoming stunted and opening the door for pests and diseases.
With proper spacing between plants, air circulates freely. Sunlight penetrates to nourish the entire plant Water and nutrients are readily available to feed extensive root systems Proper spacing also allows you to appreciate the bay plant’s natural shape and form.
Ideal Spacing for Bay Plants
For bay laurel:
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Space trees 15-20 feet apart if using as a hedge or screen.
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Allow at least 6-8 feet of space around a single specimen bay laurel tree.
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Give container-grown bay laurel 6 feet of space.
For bay leaf plants
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Space plants 4-6 feet apart. Allow 6-8 feet between rows.
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If planting a single bay leaf shrub, allow 6-8 feet of space all around
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In containers, allow at least 4-6 feet between plants.
For sweet bay:
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Space sweet bay trees 3-6 feet apart when using as a hedge.
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For single trees, allow 6-8 feet of space all around.
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Give container-grown sweet bay at least 4-6 feet of space.
Planting Your Spaced-Out Bay
Now that you know how much space to allow between bay plants, it’s time to dig in. Here are some tips for planting your perfectly-spaced bay:
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Prepare the planting area well in full sun areas with well-draining soil. Add compost to enrich the soil.
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Dig a hole slightly wider than the bay’s root ball. For trees, dig deep as well.
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Carefully place the bay into the planting hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
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Backfill the hole with your enriched soil. Tamp down gently to remove air pockets.
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Form a shallow ring of soil around the edge of the hole to help retain water.
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Water thoroughly after planting. Cover area with 2-4 inches of mulch.
Caring for Your Spaced Out Bay
With proper spacing and planting techniques, your bay is off to a great start! Here’s how to keep it growing happily:
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Water 1-2 times per week, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
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Prune overgrown branches in late winter. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
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Check for pests like scale, mealybug and mites. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap.
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Bring containerized bay plants indoors before first frost.
Spacing Bay Plant: Final Tips
Follow these final tips and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, productive bay garden:
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Match the bay variety to your climate. Laurel and sweet bay thrive in warmer zones 8-11. Bay leaf grows in cooler zones down to zone 5.
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Give bay plants a few years to establish. Growth will accelerate as the roots spread out.
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Space plants according to their expected mature size. Allow extra room for trees to reach full size.
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Monitor soil moisture and nutrients in widely spaced plants. Water and feed accordingly.
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Enjoy the ease of gardening and harvesting once your bay plants mature. Well-spaced, healthy bay is the ultimate low-maintenance culinary garden!
Proper spacing is the foundation of any successful edible or ornamental garden. Follow these bay plant spacing guidelines tailored to each variety. Pay close attention to expected mature size. Give your bay room to spread out and grow. With smart spacing techniques, you’ll soon be harvesting abundant leaves for cooking while enjoying the beauty this versatile plant lends to your landscape.
How to plant bay
Improve garden soil before planting by digging in compost and grit, if your soil is heavy. If planting clipped standard bays as a formal statement, ensure they’re standing straight before firming the soil around the root ball. Water in well and continue to water regularly for a couple of weeks after planting, to help it settle in well.
If growing in a pot, plant your bay in tree and shrub compost or in a soil-based compost, such as John Innes No. 2, with some additional grit added for drainage. Be sure to use a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom, and add crocks at the base; you could also stand the pot on pot feet.
Growing bay: jump links
Bay hails from the Mediterranean, so does best in full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered position, as it’s not completely hardy when young. In exposed gardens, bay can cope with temperatures down to about -5ºC but can suffer leaf damage. This is easily solved by covering plants with garden fleece in winter or moving pot-grown bays to a more sheltered spot.
Bay tends to be hardier when planted directly into the garden, as plants can put down a more comprehensive root system. Well-drained soil is essential. If planted in the ground and left to grow unclipped, expect plants to reach a height of up to 8m.
Guidelines for Spacing Vegetable Plants in the Garden for Highest Production
FAQ
How far apart to plant bay laurel trees?
What is the best garden position for a bay tree?
Do bay laurels like sun or shade?
How far apart should basil plants be planted?
Here are some tips to help you space your basil plants properly: Before planting your basil, make sure you have enough space in your garden for each plant. Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure out the correct distance between each plant. If you’re planting multiple rows of basil, space the rows about 18-24 inches apart.
How much space does a basil plant need?
These varieties only grow to be about 8-12 inches tall, so they don’t need as much room as taller varieties. On the other hand, if you’re growing a larger variety like Genovese or Sweet Basil, you should space the plants about 18-24 inches apart. These varieties can grow up to 3 feet tall and require plenty of room to spread out.
Why is spacing important for basil plants?
Spacing your basil plants is essential for several reasons. First, it allows the plants to develop strong root systems. When the plants are crowded together, their roots can become tangled and stunted, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other problems. Second, proper spacing helps prevent disease and pest infestations.
How much space do you need between plants?
By not having to leave room for pathways between rows, you can focus purely on the space needed from plant to plant. This means that the 8-inch recommendation between onion plants, for instance, applies in all directions. You’ll get a denser planting, but trust me, this method still provides the room your veggies need to thrive, not just survive.