Soil depth

Would someone please settle a debate on the recommended min depth of top soil when planting shrubs, either bare root or container grown.

 

Wouldn't say there was a set depth, Paul - depends on so many things. Basically I'd say you have to have the depth of soil to match the length of the roots as they currently are, plus room for growth, but that will vary from plant to plant, with some growing down more than others, and some having mor surface roots. And it doesn't all have to be top-soil!!
To be quite honest, I've never thought about this! When I'm planting up an area, I just prepare the soil, dig holes and plant......

 

Let me help you with advice from pistachio growers on Aegina, Greece: To plant tree take pick axe and hack small channel until crack in rock is discovered. Take one stick of dynamite, insert in crack to maximum realistic depth. Light fuse and retire to coffee shop.

Return after coffee and pastry, place small sapling in hole and rake rocks on top. Water. Retire to coffee shop for approx 3 years to discuss government. Pick pistachios.

These plants grow on whatever they gain from the crumbling rocks, the roots go deep into the fissures for the water there, and there is pretty much zero real soil in the orchards I have seen, just a dusting of sand. Don't suppose it answers your question but there we go.

I have planted up in the South of France on soil that is a maximum of 6" deep over limestone. With a couple of years careful irrigation the plants have established well, and no longer need the irrigation which is lucky as the maintenance gardener has just ploughed all the pipes up (they were also less than 6" deep of course!). This is the second time he's done this, he likes to plant grass seed apparently.

 

Jazid :D