Gardening in winter is all about preparing for spring growth, and a big part of that can be pruning.
Pruning serves two purposes, it can trim the size of your plant, but also encourages growth for a more gorgeous display or better crop of fruit come the warmer months.
Winter is ideal for pruning as many plants have shed their leaves which can make it easier to prune, but also makes it easier to see what needs pruning.
So what are some winter pruning tips to get you started?
Firstly check if the plant will benefit from a winter prune. Sometimes you may just be cutting off the spring growth, a quick online search should have you sorted.
Your next step should be to get the right tools. Secateurs are a must, but also handy are a pruning saw and a lopper, which is basically secateurs with long handles.
Look sharp
If you are using your own for the first time in a while, giving them a sharpen before you start is always a good idea, and remember to oil them.
Here’s some tips from Gardening Australia.
Now, on to pruning. Take a good look at the plant and remove any dead, diseased or drying matter and cut them out first.
Always ensure your cuts are clean, otherwise you are making a pathway for damage or infection.
Now take a closer look. See those little bumps or ‘nodes’ along the branches? You should cut above a node where you want the plant to grow.
So, got a node pointing up and you want your plant to grow higher? Make your snip just above that node. Got a node pointing in the direction where there is a big ‘space’ in your tree that needs filling? Cut just above that node.
If you want to cultivate a shape, that should be your next option. Take a few steps back from the plant, imagine the shape you would like it to be, and just start cutting away everything that doesn’t fit that ideal. It’s a good idea to step back a few times and make sure you are on track. There’s nothing worse than a wonky ficus because you were in a hurry.
You should also remove any branches or twigs that cross over or touch each other. This ensures healthy growth for one stem, instead of two that rub against each other. It can also open the plant up to more air and sun, if that’s required.
Base tips
Plants that grow from the base can be a bit more tricky. Remove all the older stems and some of the less-healthy looking ones. It’s also a good idea to remove any stems that are crowding new growth.
And take a good look at what’s popping up from the ground. Many plants such as roses and fruit trees are grown on rootstock. That means the root is a different variety from what you can see above ground. This ‘jigsaw’ of plants is a way to get the best of both worlds to put varieties known for their healthy roots together with productive plants.
However, sometimes, the rootstock has a mind of its own and starts popping up anyway. Make sure you cut it away, as they can compete with the plant above ground.
Do you have any tips to add? Why not share them in the comments section below?
