Follow my rule of thumb for pruning your garden – my steps keep plants healthy and encourage ‘vigorous growth’

A LANDSCAPING expert has revealed a simple rule she follows when pruning her plants to propel their growth.

She shared a few additional gardening tips that help keep it healthy with minimal effort.

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My Job Quote landscape expert Fiona Jenkins has shared with The U.S. Sun outdoor tasks homeowners should focus on this season to encourage plant growth and which tools to use.

PRUNING POWER

There is one job that everyone must do that is an essential part of gardening and can elevate outside your home.

“Pruning is an important part of gardening so it’s worth having the right tools for the job,” Jenkins said.

The expert added that a good pair of secateurs, also known as pruning sheers, is vital and can be used for several garden tasks.

“For spring pruning, before flowering, prune the previous year’s growth leaving two or three buds on a thick and healthy stem,” she recommended.

Also, “a good rule of thumb for pruning is to make an angled cut around 3 millimeters above an existing bud.”

“This leaves enough stem but not so much that it could be an entry point for disease,” she said.

Also, make sure to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches or stems with the shears.

Jenkins explained that doing this helps to keep plants healthy and encourages vigorous growth.

WEEDING WAY

Jenkins emphasized how important it is to take care of your weeds before they become a bigger issue.

“Weeds will compete with the plants that you are trying to grow,” she said.

“Not only do they take up space in the garden but they will drain nutrients from the soil. “

She explained the types of weeds and tricks to combat them in your outdoor space.

ANNUAL WEEDS

Annual weeds grow and seed all year round, so you must keep a close eye on when they start to sprout.

“If you don’t remove them, their seeds will spread further,” she said.

“For annual weeds, you can use a stirrup hoe to cut off the foliage of the plants which will ensure the roots die,” she recommended.

PERENNIAL WEEDS

Perennial weeds are not as common, but they are still just as troublesome.

They resurface every year around springtime.

They normally spread by roots under the surface that last for many years.

“For perennial weeds, you need to pull out the root system entirely using landscaper gloves,” Jenkins advised.

SOWING SOLUTION

Lastly, how you sow your seeds makes a big difference for overall plant vitality.

“Seeds need warmth so starting seeds under cover in a greenhouse or polytunnel lets you get a head start on the growing season,” Jenkins suggested.

She recommended using seed trays and pots on a windowsill and for “tender plants” that provide food, like tomatoes and peppers.

This method allows you to raise seedlings away from potential frost and pests.

“The added warmth of a propagator will increase your chance of success before replanting them as they grow,” she added.