A Double-Row Hedge in Gavere

Dirk Peusens is a farmer in Gavere (Flanders). Stéphanie made this meeting possible! In 2025, 433m of double-row hedge were planted on an agricultural plot.

His wish: biodiversity and crop protection.

Dirk has implemented a market gardening system allowing pick-your-own for customers: they produce vegetables, berries, herbal teas, …

Dirk Peusens, farmer who initiated the project. In the background, the agricultural plot that hosted the hedge.

The agricultural plot hosting the hedge is used for the production of onions, potatoes, pumpkins, and cabbages, which will not be available for direct picking.

Layout plan for the double-row hedge at Dirk’s farm.

What is important to Dirk is to be able to generate a favorable habitat for local wildlife. Furthermore, being in Organic production, the hedge can provide a minimal screen for neighboring plots under conventional agriculture. Finally, although the effects are more significant with triple-row hedges, the double-row hedge could play a role in reducing wind force and speed.

The flow map with simple flow lines shows the landscape lines where water potentially flows in a concentrated form after a rain shower, taking into account topography and existing watercourses. Therefore, planted along a runoff axis, on a sloping terrain, the hedge could also limit the phenomena of agricultural soil erosion.

The hedge, around the perimeter, intercepts a runoff path to the North of the plot. The objective is for the hedge and its root system to play a role in water infiltration into the soils.

Relief measurement of the hedge’s layout.

The Characterization Visit

Based on the minimal agronomic characteristics, we were able to select 6 shrub species. The double-row hedge has a distance between plants of 70cm and approx. 70cm between rows. Each species is planted in groups of 4 to 5 individuals.

Taking basic agronomic measurements to guide the choice of species to be planted.

Planting Day

The planting went smoothly on November 25, 2025! Dirk also set up a demarcation by installing a rudimentary fence. The objective is to protect the hedge at the edge of the plot (roadside) and thus prevent trampling by hikers.

Project Handover

On December 5, 2025, PlantC accepted the project. We could only note the impeccable quality of the plants, the delivery of good-sized specimens, and rigorous work. No damage from herbivores was observed. If this occurs, a repellent will be applied as needed.

We will monitor the recovery of the plants in spring 2026 and also pay close attention to the entrance of the plot, where water is more at surface level (confirmation of the runoff axis mapping).