There’s a lot to learn about gardening, but when it comes to the basics of planting, pruning, and feeding, there are some basic things every gardener should know.
You don’t need a horticultural degree to develop those green fingers, and famous gardener David Domoney, who regularly tips viewers on ITV’s This Morning, can surely teach us all a thing or two about the simple rules of success when it comes to it Gardening.
While the best foundation can help keep you looking your most beautiful, there is no plant equivalent that will make your flowers look beautiful. But, with these basic steps, you will get closer to the garden of dreams – just think of this as a pedicure for your plants.
Now spring is here and Holly Willoughby inspired us to get green fingers. It’s the perfect time to prepare the garden to glow. All you need to get fantastic results is 1 pence, a banana peel, and pruning shears.
How do you prune properly?
Every gardener should know how to prune, but are you doing it right? David said, “When it comes to pruning, it’s a great time. Most of the things you prune to remove dead, sick, and damaged branches in shrubs, roses, and trees.”
But when it comes to pruning hedges, the RSPB advises against pruning between March and August because of nests, and David agrees. He added, “It is not a good time to prune hedges and the like because we have to be careful with birds.”
But if it’s safe to prune, don’t just chop away your plants like you’re giving your private one’s hair the first cut of summer – David recommends that we pay attention to the cutting angle. For example, if the cut is inclined to the left, then growth will follow that direction. And whatever you do, always cut on an outward-facing bud.
But you will be pleased to know that there is a handy trick to making sure that you are always pruning trees properly, with the help of a wine glass – yes, whether it is empty or full is up to you, but imagine the shape one in front of wine glass and so you should cut them. “Always try to hold it almost like a wine glass” – as in its shape. This will encourage growth, “on the outside and free of intersecting branches in the center,” he explained.
How do you know whether a plant is dormant or dead?
When the top 10 plants to boost your mood are revealed, it is no fun if they suddenly wither on you. And it all depends on how good you are as a plant parent.
David announced that he is often asked, “How can you tell if plants are alive or dead at this time of year if they haven’t penetrated leaves?” And he has an easy way to find out. He said, “All you need is an expensive device. It costs a penny, it’s a penny! ‘
He uses the 1 pence coin to scrape off a small portion of the bark on a branch to determine the health of the plant. If it is brown it is considered dead and if it is green or white (depending on the branches) it is still alive and well.
The simple hack is something every gardener should know as it will save you time and money as you discover the shrubs in your garden that need a little TLC and that need to be torn out completely. And if you want to replace those that are at the end of their lives, you can buy plants online.
How to feed plants naturally
The type of food we eat determines whether we are healthy or not, and it is the same for plants. Feed them natural foods and they will thrive, feed them processed foods and they will fight.
Something else that every gardener should know, David emphasized the importance of healthy soil for feeding plants. “Healthy soil is a healthy garden. Collect nettles, put them in a bucket, and let them sit for about seven days to get a good source of nitrogen for your plants’ foliage – if you use the water that rots them. “”
Alternatively, he suggests growing or collecting comfrey on your next walk in the woods, as it is a “good source of potassium that is good for fruits and flowers”.
And did you know that while bananas are a great source of potassium for people, if you want to give your roses a natural boost, their skin should be saved? “The skins are especially good for roses. Please feed your plants an organic substance in your soil. This will help keep the plants healthy,” he added.
After all, every gardener should know that David’s book, My Houseplant Saved My Life, is available on Amazon.
