Monty Don says 'do this job' this month for super blooms next year
The warmer weather and the spell of sunshine we are experiencing right now means many are focusing on their gardens and making sure it's ready to enjoy ahead of the summer. But gardening expert Monty Don said that gardeners need to make sure to do one job now if they want big blooms next year.
The BBC Gardeners' World presenter said it's time to get the shears out as there are two plants that need some attention in May if they are to thrive next spring time. And it's not a difficult job but is one which will prove fruitful.
He said that if you have tulips or clematis growing in your garden now is the time to deadhead them.
Deadheading is a simple task and it refers to removing the wilted heads from the flowers which will allow new growth.
The stems of the flowers are still producing nutrients and by removing the dead petals and heads, new blooms can get the sustenance they need to grow through.
And timing is crucial. If you don't deadhead these two varieties now, your flowers next year will be disappointing, says Monty.
Tulips are popular flowers to grow as they produce bright, fragrant petals. However, he advises that they should be deadheaded after their winter growth.
Monty wrote: "If you have tulips growing in borders, deadhead them once they are past their best.
"This will stop the development of seed so that all the energy goes into forming new bulbs for next year's flowers.'
He continues to explain that the best way to deadhead them is to snap off the withered flower. This is something that can be easily done with your fingers.
Monty does urge some caution however. He said overzealous pruning can also hinder growth next year. He said to avoid trimming stems or leaves and stick to removing the heads.
If you also own early-flowering clematis, this is due for a prune in May. Monty recommends doing this as soon as they have finished flowering.
While the UK climate varies, May is generally a good time to complete this task. Monty explains: 'Obviously, the timing of this will vary considerably in different parts of the country but the principle remains constant and for many of us this occurs at the end of May.'
This is because the flowers which grow the following year are impacted by how the clematis is pruned now. If you leave pruning too late, you may see thinner blossoms next spring.
Monty recently shared a hack to keep tulip bulbs safe from squirrels. He suggested thorny prunings from rose bushes are idea to deter them digging in the soil and ruining your planting.
He told Country Living you need to place the prunings on top of the soil in a criss cross display to make it harder for the squirrels to dig.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to prune 10 plants now to ensure summer blooms
If you're looking forward to seeing your garden in bloom this summer, make sure you take time to prune these 10 plants to see them develop to their full potential Most garden -owners are anticipating a gorgeous display of blooms once summer is in full swing – but, beware, some flowers need to be pruned first. Pruning is a crucial task for the development of many plants, as it allows gardeners to sheer off any unwanted, damaged or dying blooms to make way for a much more robust blossom. This is because it forces the plant to redirect energy and nutrients to new blossoms. Equally, it helps prevent the spread of disease, as you can prune away any infected leaves, stems or blossoms. Of course, not all flowers or plants require pruning, so it's important to know which ones do. Luckily, Country Living have put together a list of 10 popular plants that need pruning before summer: Ornamental Grass This pluming grass is great at adding visual interest to your garden. To ensure it blooms to its full potential, prune it back by about two-thirds before summer kicks into full gear. Panicle Hydrangea Pruning hydrangeas will encourage fuller, healthier blossoms. Country Living advise to cut it back by about a third and to remove any weak or broken stems. Caryopteris While this plant is known for its gorgeous deep blue blossoms, it can become foliage-heavy if left untrimmed. You can cut them back by about 30 to 45 cm without harming them. Smooth Hydrangea Similar to the panicle variety, smooth hydrangeas should be pruned back by about a third to guarantee fresh, healthy growth and to remove any discoloured or unappealing blossoms. Russian Sage This hardy plant will grow back year after year if cared for properly. To get the best of its summer bloom, you can cut it all the way to the ground to allow fresh new growth to spring back up. Butterfly Bush These beautiful bright purple bushes are so-called because they attract butterflies. To maintain its bloom throughout the summer, Country Living advise to cut most of the plant back once blossoms start emerging. Otherwise, you can deadhead dull blossoms. Rose While roses are generally low maintenance, they will benefit from pruning before the summer hits. Country Living say you should cut them back by about a third "straight across". Lavender Many gardeners enjoy growing lavender for its delicately-scented purple blooms. However, if your plant needs sprucing up, you can prune it back. Though make sure not to cut into the woody stem and not to prune after buds have appeared. Catmint A cat's favourite plant, felines are irresistibly drawn to this flowery bush. It's not necessary to prune before summer but cutting away dead stems will improve its appearance. Boxwood While not absolutely necessary, pruning this evergreen bush can improve its appearance. Country Living write: "You can trim to shape it, or you can leave it more natural-looking and not prune, depending on your preference."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Monty Don urges gardeners to do urgent weeding task in June
Weeds are a massive pain in any garden - which is why gardening expert Monty Don recommends completing this one important task before summer comes into full swing Nothing will ruin your summer garden faster than an overgrowth of straggly weeds sapping all of the nutrients out of your soil. Which is why BBC presenter and gardening expert Monty Don recommends one vital de-weeding task gardeners need to complete in June. Weeds are an unequivocal nuisance in British homes. They proliferate quickly and like to ruin garden borders and create unpleasant patches in your grass. Even worse, their rapid growth means they happily siphon copious precious nutrients from your soil – leaving less for your other plants. Their dense growth also creates an ample environment for many common pests, like aphids, greenflies and mealybugs, to thrive. These greedy creatures love gorging on your plant roots and leaves. Concerningly, they can also spread highly destructive diseases, which risk turning your garden into a wreck. In particular, aphids are known to spread a variety of mosaic viruses, which can mottle your plant leaves. This means the start of summer is the perfect time for de-weeding. Monty wrote in his blog: 'June is a month when weeds really kick into action so all vegetable plots need regular weeding and nothing beats a hoe for this.' If you've never used one before, hoes typically feature a staple-shaped head with a wide, flat blade. The blade is usually placed at an angle to the handle, which allows gardeners to cut weeds cleanly just below the soil surface. He added that the key to effective hoeing is to 'always do it in dry weather and preferably in the morning'. Dry conditions means that weeds are less likely to re-root, as they do in wet weather. De-weeding in the morning also allows for weeds to dry out and die during the day. Monty advised that they can then be raked up later in the afternoon and taken to the compost heap. While they may be a nuisance in your garden, weeds can give your plants a fantastic boost in the form of compost. This is because they contain many vital nutrients for plant growth, including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. However, it is important to make sure that the plants have dried out properly under the sun before adding. Weeds that spread via their roots, like bindweed, can start growing again if the roots haven't been wilted properly under the sun. Equally, be careful of weeds that spread via seeds, like daisies. If they have already gone to seed they may also spread in your compost pile. There are many other kinds of garden waste that can be used as compost. For example, fallen leaves can be used to make a great soil mould, as they are rich in nutrients like nitrogen. Similarly, old twigs are also great additions to the compost pile, as they contain high levels of carbon. Though, it may take several years before they fully break down.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Monty Don urges households with wisteria to do '6-inch' pruning task
Wisteria can add instant charm and elegance to your garden - however, Monty recommends completing this one important pruning task now to stop it growing out of control Easily identifiable for their long, draping flowers, wisteria add a mysterious, elegant atmosphere to any garden. But if you want them to flower to their full potential, you should take care to prune them in June. Wisteria typically blossoms in late spring in early summer. In the UK, this usually means you will see their distinctive purple blossoms come to fruition in May or June. They also release a delectable scent, which can range from musky and slightly spicy to sweet. It's also a fast-growing climbing plant, making it a perfect decoration for walls or fences. However, there is a level of maintenance involved in keeping your wisteria healthy and flourishing. Gardening expert and BBC presenter Monty Don says June is the perfect time to prune them. This is because it allows new flowers to emerge. Monty wrote in his blog: 'Wisteria produces its flowers on new growth, which in turn emerges from spurs off the main shoots. He continued: 'When they have finished flowering – and for most of us that is around the middle of June – is the best time to prune all this year's new shoots back to a spur leaving no more than about 6 inches of growth.' Cutting wisteria shoots by six inches should be enough to keep new growth close to the main vine. It also should clear away unwanted shoots that risk ruining the look of your garden. Likewise, gardeners should also take this opportunity to tidy up the entire plant. This includes trimming and tying away any loose, trailing shoots. If you're unsure over how hard to prune your plant, Monty advises to err on the side of 'cutting too lightly'. After all, you will have other opportunities to prune your plant. In the new year, you can prune again after the foliage has begun to die back. Monty says you should reduce each side shoot to 'just 2 or 3 inches.' Pruning also helps to avoid your wisteria plant into a big mass of woody tissue and foliage. Or, worse, growing out of control and damaging your walls or fences. It also poses a sinister threat to other plants if left unchecked. Wisteria can quickly wrap itself around surrounding plants, effectively choking them. Other tips for caring for wisteria is ensuring they are placed in well-drained soil, as they dislike too much moisture. Equally, they should be left to grow in a sheltered, sunny spot.
