As the seasons change, gardens burst into life, but neglecting your outdoor space over winter can lead to issues. Gardening expert and TikTok creator Michael Griffiths highlights common mistakes gardeners make during colder months. To ensure gardens flourish in summer, now is the time to correct them.
The Deadheading Dilemma
One crucial task is deadheading, but many gardeners do it incorrectly. In a recent video, Michael said: "Did you completely ignore your garden all winter? If you did, fix these five mistakes now and your garden will thank you all summer." He claims most people don't realise they're deadheading improperly. "Just pulling spent flowers off won't give you more blooms," he explained.
Correct Deadheading Technique
The process is simple and quick. Removing spent flowers encourages energy to new shoots, promoting more blooms throughout summer. Michael advises: "You need to remove the whole flower head, where seeds form. Do that and the plant will put its energy back into new flowers instead." Start by identifying wilted or discoloured blooms and snip at the base of the flower where it meets the stem.
For clusters of blooms, locate where the cluster ends and trace the stem down to the next set of five leaves. Cut just above this cluster to redirect energy away from fading flowers.
Additional Benefits
Regular deadheading also reduces the risk of fungal infections. Squires Garden Centres' experts note that deadheading takes just three to five minutes and, if done "little and often" for roses, ensures "strong blooms" and a "fresh appearance" for many seasons. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends regular deadheading, suggesting gently snapping faded flowers off hybrid tea roses just below the head to encourage more blooms quickly.
