Stacy Risenmay | @stacyrisenmay
During August, I spend quite a bit of time deadheading flowers in my yard. I'll be honest, it's a little tedious. But I promise, it's worth every minute.
Deadheading isn't just about looks (though it does make your garden look fresh and tidy). It's one of the best ways to keep your plants blooming longer and healthier all season.
Why You Should Deadhead Your Flowers
When flowers start to fade, your plants naturally shift their focus from growing blooms to producing seeds. But if you remove the faded flowers before seeds form, you're essentially tricking the plant into thinking it hasn't finished it's job yet. So while it might feel like a chore, deadheading truly pays off in the form of a brighter, fuller garden.
Deadheading = more blooms + longer color
How to Deadhead Correctly
To get the best results (and keep your plants looking neat), follow these quick tips:
Use sharp, clean clippers.
A good pair of sharp garden shears make all the difference. Dull blades can tear the stems, which slows new growth.
Don't just snip the flower head.
If you only cut off the top of the bloom, you'll be left with spiky, uneven stems and it will take longer for new blooms to appear.
Cut down to the first set of leaves.
As a general rule, trum just above the first healthy set of leaves or any tiny bud you see forming. That's where your next round of blooms will appear.
Keep an eye out for new buds.
Be careful not to cut off fresh buds that are waiting to open. A quick look before you snip can save you a bloom or two.
The Reward: More Blooms Than You'll Know What to Do With
Once you get into a rythm, deadheading becomes a relaxing, rewarding part of your garden routine. In just a week or two, you'll notice your plants filling back in with even more vibrant color.
So grab your favorite pair of Digz Gardening Gloves, Digz garden snips, and head outside. With a little time and care, you'll have more blooms than you'll know what to do with.
