A Pinch to Grow On - Give Your Plants the Pinch!

Many of us are reluctant to pinch back plants -  but the truth is, it's one of the best things you can do for your plants. Pinching them back by removing the center leaves on growing tips forces new foliage to appear along them stem creating new branches. This technique creates dense compact foliage and healthy, robust plants. But it's not just for houseplants. Your flowering plants will respond in the same way and will produce more blooms.


                                                   How to Pinch Back Plants

• Begin pinching plants when they are about 4 inches tall and have at least two sets of 'true' leaves.
  
• Pinch the center leaves on each growing tip between your thumb and finger to remove them.
  
• Repeat again in approximately 3 to 4 weeks - depending on plant growth - by removing the center leaves on all new growing tips. 
  
• Repeat as necessary to keep your plants looking good and to promote compact foliage.

I bit the bullet and pinched back my morning glories yesterday to encourage branching. Even though I know that it will produce healthier and fuller plants, it's always a hard decision - especially on plants that are growing well. 


So go ahead. Give your plants the pinch. You'll be glad you did.


                                       Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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