Winter pruning masterclass
Gardeners World|November 2021
This season is the ideal time to rune most shrubs and trees. Tom Brown, Head Gardener of West Dean, explains why
Tom Brown
Winter pruning masterclass

Nothing can strike fear into our collective hearts as much as the techniques and timings associated with pruning.

But don’t be daunted – pruning is just about keeping plants healthy, whether that’s by removing deadwood or to promote healthy growth, fruit and flowers. Pruning shrubs and trees in winter, when they’re not in active growth has many benefits, such as:

Reducing problems with diseases and pests

Making it easy to see damaged and dead wood

Providing an opportunity to evaluate structure and shape

Early winter (November-December)

As many plants shed their leaves and move into dormancy in early winter, the structure and make-up of their branches and stems are revealed.

November and December are perfect months to prune climbing roses, review structures and remove dead wood, as well as reduce the size of buddleias, roses and lavateras to prevent the effects of wind rock.

Newly planted trees

Newly planted trees can become cluttered and grow into an unbalanced shape. Lay strong foundations by removing the shoots on the bottom third of the main stem, which then focusses energy into the developing canopy. Check for crossing or rubbing stems and thin congested areas. Don’t go too mad as you can’t stick branches back on!

Dead, diseased or dying stems

Esta historia es de la edición November 2021 de Gardeners World.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2021 de Gardeners World.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GARDENERS WORLDVer todo
A new plot for tasty crops
BBC Gardeners World

A new plot for tasty crops

Taking on a new allotment needn't be hard work. By simply following a few easy tips you can have bumper crops in no time, just like Alessandro Vitale

time-read
7 minutos  |
July 2024
We love July
BBC Gardeners World

We love July

July is an island floating between the joy of June and the slightly fatigued month of August. It's a grown-up month: the year has shrugged off its adolescent exuberances, the weather is (hopefully) warm enough for ice cream to be one of your five a day, the sea should be swimmable without (too much) danger of hypothermia and thoughts will be of holiday shenanigans and family barbecues. School's out this month, the next tranche of glorious summer colour is washing across our borders and it's my birthday. Lots of reasons to give three rousing cheers for July!

time-read
3 minutos  |
July 2024
YOUR PRUNING MONTH
BBC Gardeners World

YOUR PRUNING MONTH

Now, at the height of summer, Frances Tophill shows how to boost your plants' health and productivity with a timely cut

time-read
3 minutos  |
July 2024
Hassle-free harvests
BBC Gardeners World

Hassle-free harvests

Flowers are out in abundance this month and for Jack Wallington, many of these blooms make delicious, low-effort pickings

time-read
4 minutos  |
July 2024
Bite-sized bounties
BBC Gardeners World

Bite-sized bounties

Glorious doorstep harvests can easily turn into gluts, so let Rukmini Iyer's recipes help you savour every last bit

time-read
3 minutos  |
July 2024
Upcycled outdoor living
BBC Gardeners World

Upcycled outdoor living

Create unique and stylish garden features for minimal cost using reclaimed materials and simple DIY skills. Helen Riches shares four step-by-step projects and more inspiring eco tips

time-read
6 minutos  |
July 2024
Secrets of a COLOURFUL GARDEN
BBC Gardeners World

Secrets of a COLOURFUL GARDEN

Buildings and landscapes can play a vital role in supercharging your space, as Nick Bailey demonstrates

time-read
4 minutos  |
July 2024
Greening up a city balcony
BBC Gardeners World

Greening up a city balcony

Looking for sustainable, small-space gardening ideas? Take inspiration from Oliver Hymans' transformed balcony garden in north-east London - now a lush, green haven for humans and wildlife

time-read
3 minutos  |
July 2024
The dry and mighty garden
BBC Gardeners World

The dry and mighty garden

As we adapt our gardens to a more volatile climate, Alan Titchmarsh reveals how to create a drought-tolerant plot and picks his top plant performers

time-read
6 minutos  |
July 2024
Nature knows best
BBC Gardeners World

Nature knows best

Carol Klein explains how to choose plants for specific growing conditions, based on what has naturally adapted to thrive there

time-read
5 minutos  |
July 2024