For general pruning and shaping:
* Bypass pruners: These are the most versatile tool for most rose pruning tasks. They have two blades that pass each other, making a clean cut without crushing the stems. Look for pruners with sharp, hardened steel blades and comfortable handles.
* Loppers: Use these for thicker branches that are too large for pruners. They have long handles for leverage and are helpful for reaching branches high up in the bush.
* Pruning saw: For branches thicker than 1 inch in diameter, a pruning saw with a fine-toothed blade is necessary for making clean, smooth cuts.
For specific tasks:
* Hedge shears: These are helpful for shaping formal rose bushes or removing large amounts of foliage.
* Hand shears: These are smaller and more precise than pruners and are useful for trimming delicate stems or shaping rose blooms.
Additional Tips:
* Sharpen your tools regularly: Sharp tools make cleaner cuts that minimize damage to the plant.
* Clean your tools after each use: This helps prevent the spread of diseases.
* Consider using a pruning sealant: This can help prevent disease by sealing wounds on larger branches.
Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all answer for the best pruning tool. Choose the tool that's most comfortable and effective for your individual needs.
The holidays bring out our favorite recipes. Homemade pumpkin pie is one of the highlights of the fall season and features prominently on Thanksgiving menus. Growing your own pumpkin puree from scratch starts with the right variety. Choose a pie pumpkin plant that produces gourds with natural sweetness and great texture. Pumpkin pie plants need 90-100 days to mature, so start in spring for the proper harvest time. Store-bought pumpkin puree often contains loads
Origanum vulgare var. hirtum Greek oregano is perhaps one of the most familiar of the culinary herbs among cooks in North America. I use this spicy and flavorful seasoning in just about everything I cook, and therefore it was one of the very first perennials I planted when I started my garden – I wanted a supply on hand at all times! Feel the same way? Read on to learn all about growing your own Greek oregano. What Is Greek Oregano? There are a number of specie
If you travel in southeastern parts of the United States, you will, no doubt, see plenty of signs urging you to take the next exit for genuine southern grown peaches, pecans, oranges, and peanuts. While these delicious fruits and nuts may be the pride of the South, those of us in northern areas can still grow some too. That said, peanuts require a long, warm growing season, so those of us in cooler climates need to grow them in pots to extend the growing season. Continue
In ancient Greece, oregano directly translated to either “joy of the mountain” or “brightness of the mountain”, depending on who you ask. It is from the hilly Greek countryside that it’s believed to have sprung initially. And if you ask any gardener today what herbs they’re growing, it’s likely that they’re growing oregano among them. Oregano is a perennial that is part of the mint family. Its strong and zesty flavor has made it popular in the culinary world, although it’s perhaps most identif