REAPER MAN

SUMMER PRUNING

Pruning plants in summer is just as important for some plants as winter pruning.

By pruning in summer, you can reap the rewards of better displays from ornamental plants. You’ll also encourage bigger crops from fruit trees and bushes. Removing new summer growth before it turns woody reduces growth-promoting nitrogen, allowing potassium to build up – and more potassium means more flowers and fruit. You’ll also keep plants, such as shrubs, climbers, and rambling roses, within bounds and maintain an attractive shape.

Many people think of pruning as a winter task, but there are several reasons why pruning in summer has its advantages.

  • It helps to slow growth – summer is a good time to prune if you want to slow down growth on a shrub or a tree. Pruning reduces the total leaf surface, reducing the amount of food produced and sent to the roots.
  • Restore shape and structure – Summer is the best time for restorative pruning. You can correct problems that have resulted from over-pruning and storm damage. Proper pruning will help to begin to restore the plant’s natural shape.
  • Assess health and vigor – In summer it is easier to evaluate the plant’s canopy for health and vigor. You can see exactly what you are removing.
  • Reduce pests and diseases – Proper summer pruning will reduce pests and diseases. Selective thinning of branches will increase circulation and light penetration. You can easily spot diseased plant material when growth is active in summer. Remove these branches and shoots. That way the plant can send its energy to the healthy parts.
  • Remove aggressive shoots and redirect branches -A perfect time to remove aggressive shoots on plants with suckering tendencies. Redirect and reduce the size of overreaching into neighboring plants.
  • Encourages flower production – Deadhead and cut back your flowering perennials throughout summer to encourage new flower growth.

So, get out there with your secateurs and get to grips with summer pruning, it really isn’t rocket science and your garden will look all the better.

Join us this Friday  18 November 2022 for our FREE online workshop on: ‘Reaper Man – Summer Pruning’, with Garden Guru Sue Both.

Please use the following login details to join us at 11 am sharp over Zoom:

Meeting ID: 863 2568 9794

Passcode: 993030

or use the following direct link: https://bit.ly/3TwjmM