HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN
Pruning and your November Gardening jobs How to Prune Before you start clipping, it’s best to know what you’re looking to remove. Prune any dead, dying, or diseased branches. If you’re dealing with disease, cut well below any affected areas and don’t prune when it’s wet outside, since water can spread the harmful stuff. You’ll also want to cut back any limbs encroaching on walkways or mown areas so they don’t get broken off. Thinning branches in general also allows more sunlight and air to reach the centre of trees and shrubs. Get the right gear for the job. Drop into your local garden centre as each of us have different grips and strenghens. Make sure they are durable yet lightweight. Some have rolling gears which help prevent cramping of your hand. Try to buy the best you can afford and get them sharpened regularly. You should have deadheaded all the perennials by now if not there is still time to cut the heads off now. After the first frost, cut down and mulch the area well for next year’s growth. However, you should skip clipping and dead heading if the dried flowers or seeds are useful for propagation. During the Autumn it is best not to clip woody plants as at that time of year they don’t produce a protective tissue called callus. Fungal spores, bacteria, and insects could find a foothold in open wounds. As we move into winter it is a great time to prune many trees and shrubs since insect and disease pressure is minimized, and the plant architecture is clearly visible. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs. Clip the unwanted side shoots, as well as any crossed or rubbing branches. Somes of the species suited for winter pruning include poplar, spruce, junipers, fruit trees including cherries and plums. Don’t be tempted to prune your roses yet. What else to do in November? November is the ideal month to start making plans for next year. Be ruthless with plants that performed badly; remove and replace with a better variety. Make notes of all your good ideas, ready for next year. Don’t be too efficient during your final tidy up of the year. Provide over-wintering nooks and crannies for our helpful garden creatures
n 12 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 58 |November 2021
such as hedgehogs, toads and ladybirds. Leave tufty grasses, small log heaps and piles of leaves to keep them safe until next spring. They’ll reward you by being on hand to control early pests. CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
