How to plant under a conifer?

You have probably noticed that growing under a conifer can be difficult due to shade and often dry soil. Don’t worry, we have the solution for you! In this guide, we will explain how to choose the right plants, prepare soil and provide proper maintenance to create a pretty garden beneath your conifer. Follow our tips and tricks to transform this challenging area into a true green and flowering haven.

*Typically, in a conifer forest soil is usually dry and shaded, with surface roots*

Challenges of planting under conifers

The challenge of planting under conifers lies mainly in the particular conditions these trees create in their immediate environment. Here are some of the difficulties gardeners face when trying to plant beneath conifers:

Shade: Conifers, with their dense and evergreen foliage, often create large areas of ground shade, which limits light available to other plants.
Dry soil: Conifers generally have an extensive and competitive root system that absorbs a large amount of water from the soil. This can leave the soil below fairly dry, making it difficult for other plants to grow.
Competition for nutrients: In addition to water, conifers also take up essential nutrients from the soil, sometimes leaving few resources for other plants.
Root congestion: The presence of conifer roots close to the soil surface can hinder the growth and establishment of other plants’ roots.

What about acidity? In reality, the idea that pine needles would acidify soil is a myth (see article, Pine needle and soil acidity: myth or reality). Soil pH is stable and, if it changes, this will only occur in the top few centimetres. Moreover, acidic soil is not necessarily a bad thing: many plants cope perfectly well with it.

Faced with all these challenges, it is crucial to choose plants adapted to the conditions created by conifers, to prepare soil correctly and to provide adequate maintenance to promote plant growth beneath these trees.

→ Find all our conifers in our online nursery.

conifer bed — *In a garden, it is entirely possible to create attractive schemes with and beneath conifers*

When and how to plant under conifers?

The best time to plant under conifers is usually in spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is more abundant, which helps new plants to establish.

Choose the right plants: those that tolerate shade, acidic soil and relatively dry conditions.
Prepare soil: Before planting, improve soil quality by adding compost or well‑rotted manure to increase organic matter, improve structure and fertility.
Avoid damaging conifer roots: When planting, take care not to harm roots of resinous trees. Dig planting holes wide and deep enough to accommodate new plants’ roots, but without disturbing those of the conifers.
Water at planting and regularly during the first year: Plants beneath conifers may need extra watering, especially during dry spells. Make sure soil remains moist but well drained.
Mulch: Apply an organic mulch, such as wood chips, pine needles or decomposed leaves around plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and reduce weed growth.

*Mulch and compost are highly recommended additions when planting under conifers*

Necessary equipment

Spade : For digging planting holes and turning soil.
Digging fork: For breaking up clods and loosening soil.
Rake : For levelling and preparing soil before planting.
Compost or well‑rotted manure: To enrich soil with organic matter and improve structure and fertility.
Watering can: To ensure regular and appropriate watering of plants.
Gardening gloves, garden cushion, knee pads...