| Quick Tip: Pinching Back Plants |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-306 |
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Pinching back plants will help produce more flowers -- as well as more foliage. The trick is knowing when and where to pinch! - You'll want to wait until a plant is at least four inches tall before pinching it back. Once it's reached this height, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch off the tip of the shoot(s) near its base at the center of the plant. Soon you should start to see new growth emerge on the sides of the pinched-off area(s).
- When the plant has developed a substantial amount of new growth, begin pinching off the tips of each new branch, this time closer to the top of the stems. The plant will gradually begin to exhibit a rounder, fuller shape. Once you like what you see, just sit back and enjoy the blooms. (If you're pinching back perennials, stop in midsummer to allow the plant to produce buds.)
- This technique will work for just about any plant, from perennials and annuals to herbs and vegetables.
RESOURCES :
A Gardener's Guide to Planters, Containers and Raised Beds
Model: 0806942436
Author: Chuck and Barbara Crandall
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Colorful Container Gardens: Vibrant Schemes for Pots and Planters
Model: 1842153862
Author: Stephanie Donaldson
(May, 2001)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
Pots and Planters in a Weekend (In a Weekend Series)
Model: 1582900280
Author: Julie London
(April, 2000)
Tuttle Publishing
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-951-4080
Fax: 617-951-4045
Website: www.tuttlepublishing.com
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