Hydrangeas will be showing signs of new growth, and a gardening expert has shared three easy jobs you can do now to give your plants a boost. With just a few weeks remaining before spring arrives in full force, stunning flowers such as hydrangeas will already be emerging. If you are keen to help them along, one gardening expert recommends carrying out three simple tasks right now.
Three Simple Steps for Thriving Hydrangeas
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish revealed that three remarkably straightforward jobs will do wonders for your hydrangeas when they come into flower. In a recent video, he said: "If you want your hydrangea to absolutely thrive this year, then there's only three steps you need to take around about now to make sure you do it right."
Step 1: Prune Dead Stems
Your hydrangeas should already be displaying signs of new growth at this stage. However, if there are a handful of stems showing no signs of life, Ish suggests these are best removed. Should you spot stems with no growth at the top of the plant, simply trim them just below the last node. A swift prune will help divert the plant's energy away from the old growth and towards the new leaves.
Step 2: Apply Slow-Release Feed
Once you have finished pruning, the gardening expert recommends introducing a slow-release feed into the soil surrounding your hydrangeas. Feed pellets or options such as blood, fish, or bone meal work perfectly well. Spread the feed around the base of the stem and water it in generously.
Step 3: Mulch Generously
Finally, you will want to apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Choose from multipurpose mulch, compost, or bark, spreading it around the plant's base. Ish explained: "The idea is, you want to hold as much moisture in the ground. So, they like good-draining soil, but they also don't mind clay soil which is thriving in moisture. So keep them nice and wet, and as a result, they'll be really happy. If you follow those three steps, you'll have some amazing blooms in your hydrangea."
Ish highlighted the key factors to bear in mind when tending to your hydrangeas: ensuring adequate moisture in the soil and providing partial sun exposure.
