Grow Well Guides

Bay Trees

The Bay Tree, known for its aromatic leaves and timeless elegance, is a must-have for garden enthusiasts seeking both beauty and utility. With its glossy, dark green foliage and a delightful fragrance that infuses the air, it adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to any outdoor space. Whether used as a striking focal point or pruned into various shapes, the Bay Tree welcomes you to a garden that's not only visually appealing but also tantalizing to the senses.

Planting Calendar

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring

Bay Trees are best planted from Spring through to autumn.

Harvest In

2 years after planting.

It's best to wait two years before harvesting any leaves from your bay tree. Once your green leaves have grown to a healthy, large size, harvesting is as easy as picking the leaves off the tree. The best time of day to pick bay leaves is early in the morning because they will retain their aromatic qualities best at this time. Lay your bay leaves out on a piece of parchment paper in a warm, dry room. Leave your leaves to dry for two weeks. Once they are dried, you can use them whole or crush them. You can store fresh leaves in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Dried leaves can be left at room temperature for up to two years before they start to lose their aroma. Alternatively, you can freeze dried bay leaves to ensure that they maintain their flavour for longer.

Prepare

Bay leaves are popular herbs used to flavor stews, casseroles, and other liquid-based dishes and can be grown in your garden.

Position

Plant in a position that gets full sun with some protection from strong winds.

Soil

When planted into the ground Bay trees prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.

Plant

When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.

Care

Watering

Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.

Feeding

When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.

Protecting

Stake at planting time to prevent root damage and to provide support.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.

Spraying

Scale insect and thrips can be a problem on Bay Trees, spray with BioNeem.

Pruning

Prune to control shape and size.

Frequently Asked Questions