Hi folks - first-time poster here with some pretty simple questions I'm sure, so please be kind!

I grew up in a hot and dry climate and so I'm pretty clueless when it comes to caring for and hedges.

At the place where my front garden where it meets the pavement, I planted a row of privet hedge plants last September. They are spaced out about 18 inches apart and are about five feet tall and still quite young, but have begun to sprout lots of little leaves over the past few weeks (of course).

As they have now started to grow, I have some questions about how to prune the plants so that they grow into the shape I want. Can you help me?

I want the plants to grow about 6-8 inches taller than they are now, and I also want them to "flesh out" a bit more. Little sprouts are starting to stick up. Should I trim them now or should I let them grow more?

How often should I trim privet hedge during the growing season?

Should I trim the sides as well?

Many thanks for your help and advice!