Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3
T E C HN I QU E S A ND TOO L S
Sowhatisthekindestcut?
The smaller the cut, the easier it is for the
plant to heal. Pruning and training early in a
plant's life means that there is less likelihood
of having to make large corrective cuts later.
Yes, again it is just like children - forming
good habits when young creates a solid base
from which to grow.
The whole object of pruning is to make
your plants as productive, attractive and
healthy as possible,
so don't be afraid
. A few
basic techniques are all you need to know
for success.
Don't get overly fussed. Plants are geared to
grow no matter what we do. The roadside
fruit tree in Figure 3.1 has obviously never
been pruned, weeded, watered or fed, yet it is
covered in blossom.
Wounds
All pruning inflicts wounds. However, the
smaller the wound the easier they heal. To be
exact, a wound does not 'heal'; it is overgrown
by healthy tissue that has been stimulated
into action by the wound. A clean cut leaves a
smaller surface area for the plant to overgrow,
so sharp pruning tools are essential (see
Figure 3.2).
It will bear masses of probably very small
fruit, but the lack of pruning, or the
attentions of local council pruning haven't
killed it.
Conversely, the larger the cut, the longer it
takes to heal (see Figure 3.3). Early pruning
could have prevented this.
There is always much debate about whether
large wounds should be covered in some sort
of dressing. The natural desire to put a 'band
aid' on a cut seems to extend from our
human nurturing instincts; however, healthy
plants are quite capable of healing
themselves.
Figure 3.1
Productive, attractive, thriving - and never
been pruned!
