Pruning Garden Basics

Gardening can make a great hobby, and all the colors can add a nice look to the yard. Of course, gardening does require care and maintenance, and if shrubs, bushes, or even small trees are part of the garden, then learning the pruning garden basics is a must. Proper pruning can keep a garden looking tidy, and it can improve the form of flowers. The type of plant being pruned dictates when pruning should be done.

New Growth Bloomers

New growth bloomers bloom flowers on the stems that grow during the current season. These types of plants should be pruned during late winter. This will remove stems and branches that bloomed the year before, and still allow enough time for new growth to form. New growth bloomers can often be pruned flate with the ground, but this may result in less flowers for the season.

Old Growth Bloomers

Old growth bloomers flower on the previous season's growth. These types of shrubs and bushes should be pruned immediately after blooming has finished. This will allow for new growth to become more established before fall and winter.

Double Bloomers

These shrubs and bushes bloom twice during the growing season. They often bloom first during the early spring, and a second time during the summer. Pruning these plants can be tricky. They require two light prunings every year to remain tidy looking. The first pruning should be done during the winter. The stems and branches removed should be carefully chosen. By removing inner stems and leaving outer stems in place, gardeners can still have a full looking plant during the first blooming period. The second pruning can be done immediately after blooming has finished. This will allow new growth time to become established enough for the second blooming.

Tools 

Any tools used for pruning should be properly taken care of. The edges of shears and clippers should be kept sharp to make clean cuts. The tools should also be cleaned after each plant that is pruned. This will reduce the chances for diseases being passed between the plants. Protective gloves should also be worn to decrease the chances of accidental cuts and scratches.

Cuts

All cuts made to plants should be clean. Torn and serrated cuts can lead to fungal infection and diseases. Gardeners should try to keep the cuts as close to the base of the stem or branch as possible to encourage healthy growth.