Sunday, January 29, 2012

Pruning Demo Follow-Up

A BIG thanks to all who stopped by the demo Saturday. There were many great questions asked and I was able to assist enthusiastic pruners in picking out new tools that would help them get their gardening work done. If you didn't have the opportunity to stop by, here's a little bit of what you missed.

 
PRUNING 101


Why Maintain Your Tools?
- Reduce the spread of disease
- Make clean cuts
- Prevent rust & damage

Steps to Cleaning & Sharpening Your Tools
- With soapy water and Scotch Brite pad or steel wool remove any sap or dirt on blade, handle and mechanisms.
- Place sharpening tool against the beveled blade edge pushing in forward motion away from the inside of the tool to the outer tip of the blade. (I suggest using a Corona 8300 sharpening tool or oil stone with light mix of oil ½ kerosene & ½ 30 oil.)
- Run sharpening tool lightly on the outside flat edge of the blade to remove any metal burrs.

                  
- Using a cloth, wipe down blade and mechanisms with light oil mix to help prevent oxygen from oxidizing the steel
- WD-40 the gears and mechanisms

Why Prune?

- Encourage healthy growth
- Rejuvenate older plants
- Maintain shape & size
- Encourage flower & fruit production

Dormant Pruning – (November-March) This is the best time to prune while plants are in a dormant state to avoid damage to plant. Invigorates new growth.
Spring & Fall Pruning – (post dormancy & pre dormancy) The least desirable time to prune as it can leave plants most vulnerable.
Summer Pruning – Reduces vigorous new growth and slows re-growth. Heavy pruning should be avoided.

4 Basic Pruning Rules
- Remove dead, dying & diseased limbs
- Thin crossing branches and limbs heading into the interior of the plant
- Eliminate hazardous branches
- Repair damage

For More Pruning Information with great visual diagrams visit the website link to the 

Other Great Pruning Resources Include:

 

HAPPY PRUNING!




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