It turns out it’s not time to hang up the gardening gloves just yet – experts reveal there are five popular plants that should be pruned in September before it’s too late
Just because the summer’s at its end doesn’t mean your gardening tasks are over too.
One of the most important tasks that gardeners will have to keep up with in autumn is pruning. It refers to the technique by which gardeners shear off parts of a plant, including leaves, stems and flowers, in order to improve its growth and appearance. In fact, pruning can have a direct impact on how well your plants grow the following year.
So, wondering which plants to cut back in September? Gardening experts at Country Living have revealed five you need to stay on top of.
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Wisteria
This delicate purple flower typically needs pruning twice a year, once at the end of winter and once at the end of summer – which means September is your last chance to cut it back.
Ideally, wisteria should be pruned as early as possible this month, before the weather turns too cool.
Raspberries
It’s a good idea to prune summer-fruiting raspberries in September if you want to enjoy an abundant harvest for years to come. Gardening expert Huw Richards told Country Living that if you didn’t get round to pruning them after the summer harvest, then this month is your last good window to do it before winter.
Although, it’s important to note that if you have autumn fruiting raspberries, these are best left for now. Huw advised: “If you have autumn-fruiting raspberries, don’t prune them yet. You need to let them finish fruiting naturally and continue to harvest the fruit.”
Rosemary
While this is a pruning task suited to September, Country Living cautions that you should allow 6 to 8 weeks for the new growth to harden off before frost sets in. You should also take care not to prune more than a third of the plant, as otherwise it may not grow back.
Roses
Certain types of roses such as rambling roses and ‘English’ roses can benefit from a September pruning. Gardening expert Monty Don wrote his blog: “A simple shear in September is enough to keep it healthy and packed with flower next year.”
Tomatoes
Country Living says that September is your last chance to prune tomato plants. Pruning in September will help ripen the last few tomatoes of the season, as it helps redirect energy from the foliage to fruit production.
