Back when I first started gardening I thought that the only plants that would need to be pruned were rosebushes! Boy, was I wrong! Just after my first year of gardening, I quickly learned that there are a lot of plants out there, bushes, vines, and even flowers, that require just a little bit of pruning to keep them healthy all year long. Not only does pruning make your plants look SO much better, they also keep them healthier and less susceptible to disease. And regardless of what many people might think, pruning your plants isn’t really all that hard! Keep reading to learn about some of my favorite professional pruning tips, your garden will look incredible in no time at all! So let’s talk about when is the best time to prune your plans.
The Best Time To Prune
Ah, the age-old question. The best time to prune your plants will depend on the types of plants you have growing. Evergreens, fruit trees, dormant shrubs, summer flowering perennials, and any other shrubs (minus rosebushes) should all be pruned in the late winter or early spring…before they even start to bloom. Roses can usually be pruned in early March-early April.
The Right Tools Are SO Necessary
It’s impossible to do just about anything without the right tools in your arsenal! To make pruning easier, follow this guide to determine what kind of tool you need:
-Hand pruners are great for cutting anything 1 inch in diameter or smaller
-Loppers cut anything from 1-2 inches in diameter.
-Pruning saws are ideal for cutting anything larger than 2 inches in diameter.
Clean Your Tools
Prevent the spread of disease between your plants by washing your pruning tools thoroughly between each use. Be sure to disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of diluted bleach to prevent other plants from becoming infected with a harmful disease. You’ll be surprised at how much this tip can save your skin!
Anvil vs Bypass Pruner Blades
Speaking of proper tools, deciding between an anvil and a bypass pruner blades are incredibly important! Bypass pruner blades are curved, and they work best when trimming new growth off of plants. Anvil pruners are thick, broad, and great for old growth. This is so important!
The Proper Cut
Naturally, the right kind of cut is key when it comes to the health of your plant after pruning. Make sure that all of your plants are cut 1/4 inch above the head. If you cut any further than that, the plant may die, and leaving the stem any longer may mean that the bud dries out.
If you would like more info about this type of content, click on any of these links:
https://beesandroses.com/2018/08/09/succulent-care-the-dos-and-donts/
https://beesandroses.com/2018/10/12/harvesting-winter-squash/
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