As the UK faces a dry spring, many gardeners are seeking low-effort ways to help their plants thrive.
According to Liam Cleary, an outdoor plant expert at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, one quick task can make a world of difference: pinching out the growing tips of plants.
This 15-second technique encourages bushier growth, leading to double the size and more abundant blooms.
By removing the tip of a plant’s central stem, gardeners stimulate lateral growth, which not only enhances the plant’s shape but also increases its floral output.
“Pinching out promotes stronger, fuller plants,” Cleary explains. “It’s especially effective in dry weather, as it helps plants develop a sturdier structure that’s better equipped to withstand drought.”
Beyond dry conditions, this technique also helps plants during rainy spells by preventing them from becoming tall and leggy. Whether you’re tending to cosmos, dahlias, petunias, or other summer bloomers, this quick trimming trick could lead to lusher, more vibrant flowers all season long.
Gardeners across the country are urged to adopt this easy tip — it takes just seconds and could result in healthier, more flower-filled gardens.
