Where do I start?

Pruning

For beginner gardeners, getting to grips with the fundamentals can seem daunting. But in this 12-part exclusive series, Alan Titchmarsh is sharing his wisdom to help you master the skills that really matter. This month, find out why pruning is beneficial to trees and shrubs, why you need a plan before starting a job and when it’s best to leave a plant alone. Follow Alan’s tips, pick up your secateurs with confidence and take the fear out of pruning for good.

You’ll learn about:

✔ Choosing the correct tools for the job
✔ Mastering different methods of pruning
✔ Understanding what to prune when

“If you know why you’re pruning before you start, you can have in mind a picture of what you are hoping to achieve”

The kindest cut

Pruning is perhaps the most daunting task facing any gardener – novice and enthusiast alike. This is probably because, aside from being seemingly complicated, it is impossible to stick back a part of a plant you wish you had not cut off!

But can be rectified by time and if you know a particular