While no one is quite sure about the origin of ginger, it was first grown by the Chinese. In 19th century England, ginger was placed on the pub counters so that patrons could add it to their drinks. Apparently, this was the introduction of ginger ale!  Aside from this tidbit of information, ginger does have medicinal properties.

Ginger has been used to treat nausea, motion sickness and vomiting. Ginger has a long history of use for all types of digestive upset and can be helpful to increase appetite. Powdered dried ginger root is made into capsules for medicinal use. Although very effective against all forms of nausea, health officials do not recommend taking ginger root for morning sickness commonly associated with pregnancy, although it has been known to prevent morning sickness.

Research has also found ginger to be a powerful antioxidant. Ginger has also been shown in research to have a role in the natural inflammatory response of the body. In India, for example, ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headaches. Ginger has also been commonly used to treat inflammation. There are several studies that demonstrate positive results on reducing joint pain from arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It may also have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, making it effective in treating heart disease. Ginger is also used for people suffering from gallstones, because the herb promotes the release of bile from the gall bladder. It has also been used to relieve headaches. Another important advantage in the use of ginger is the compound known as cineole, which may help reduce stress.

The anti-inflammatory properties associated with ginger lessen the pain of arthritis sufferers.  It also is said to aid in the treatment of respiratory infections.  Results in animal trials showed that ginger seems to prevent or slow the rate of tumor growth in cancer. Another study showed that rats given ginger and then subjected to chemicals that induce cancer had a significant reduction in cancer than the control rats.

You may also be interested to learn that in a research study reported in the International Journal of Obesity in October 1992, shows that ginger increases weight loss by calorie burning. Researchers found that ginger made the tissues use more energy.  Ginger is very safe for a variety of complaints. Occasional heartburn seems to be the only documented side effect. However, it increases stamina; eases cold symptoms; soothes and promotes healing of minor burns and skin inflammations; is a digestive aid for nausea, vomiting, cramps and motion sickness.

While the health benefits of ginger are many, its efficacy is more potent when purchased fresh. Grating or using a garlic press will give you the maximum benefit.

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While choosing the right plants and flowers for your backyard garden is important for making it look beautiful, the best gardens also incorporate local wildlife for that special touch.  Here are a few tips to help make your backyard garden more attractive to your animal neighbors.

Most living creatures need a steady supply of water to survive.  While animals may stop by your backyard, they’re going to keep on moving if they don’t find fresh water available.  You can supply this water by installing a pond, adding a bird bath, or even putting out a bucket to collect rain water.

When I go into my mother’s backyard garden, I feel like Snow White.  There are squirrels, birds, rabbits, and chipmunks everywhere you look.  She doesn’t have a bird bath.  She doesn’t provide animals with shelter.  She doesn’t even have a garden.  All she does is feed them.  Especially in the winter, animals will go where the food is.  If you put food out regularly, you should eventually have a host of wildlife.  Having readily available food will also help deter your yard animals from eating items in your garden.  Just be careful, eventually you will get predators in your yard, including cats and even birds of prey.

Along with food and water, animals also require shelter to live.  You can attract birds to your garden by putting in houses and supplying them with nesting material.  You should also consider shelter for other animals, such as insects and small rodents.   Leaving small areas of your garden unmanicured, or putting leaves around will provide these smaller (but not less important ) animals a place to stay.

While food, water and shelter are the most important factors for attracting wildlife, there are a few other steps you can take.  To attract specific insects, you should put certain plants in your garden.  If you’re unsure, remember that species natural to your area will probably attract most local wildlife.  You should also remember to keep your soil healthy and looses so insects can feel welcome.

By taking a few small steps, you can help your garden attract lots of local wildlife.  Just remember that animals are usually creatures of habit and it will take a while for them to change.

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Rose gardens are a beautiful addition to any lawn.  They not only improve the beauty and atmosphere; they’re also a great outlet to relieve stress.  The problem is: if you’ve never done it before, starting a rose garden can be pretty daunting.  Here are a few tips and suggestions to help make rose gardening a little bit easier.

The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of roses you’d like to plant.  There are lots of varieties to choose from.  A good way to get started is to visit local rose gardens and the gardens of your family and friends.  Your decision should be based not only on what looks best, but also on how much space you have, and how harsh the winter conditions are in your area.

Once you know what kind of roses you want, you need to start planning and preparing your garden.  The spot you choose to plant should get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.  You should also be aware of the landscaping in your yard.  If you have an area that floods during heavy rains, that’s probably not the best spot for your roses.   Once you’ve picked a spot; prepare the area by working compost or humus into the soil.  You can use excess humus mixed with manure to plant your bushes.  After planting is done, cover your garden bed with mulch for extra protection.

Once your bushes are planted, they will still require some care; including watering, fertilizing, and pruning.  Bushes should be watered at the base of the plant with about an inch of water once per week.  The amount of water used should be adjusted depending on how hot it is outside and how much rain you’ve gotten.  Fertilizer should be applied about every 6 weeks, starting in mid-spring and ending some time in August.  While you can prune dead or diseased growth during the growing season, any major pruning should be done in early spring while the plant is still dormant.

While maintaining a healthy rose garden requires a lot of work, taking these steps will help get you started in the right direction.

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There’s nothing quite like walking into a rose garden in spring. Roses provide a beautiful atmosphere in your yard and garden. But before you can have great rose bushes in the spring, you have to get your hands dirty in the fall. Here is a guide on how to plant your roses and start building a beautiful garden.

To get started, you first have to buy your roses. You should buy roses as soon as you can before planting them. This should be early spring for warmer areas, and mid to late spring for colder areas. You should be fairly certain that there’s not going to be another freeze before you plant. While you may be tempted to order them from somewhere, it’s best to use roses grown in your local area. This way, you know this species is capable of thriving in your local conditions.

Next, you need to be sure to plant your roses in the proper location. Plant them in an area where they will get adequate amounts of sunlight, at least 6 hours a day. You also need to make sure your bush will have plenty of space. If there isn’t a lot of room in your chosen spot, choose a smaller type of bush. Once your spot is chosen, prepare the soil by mixing in compost or humus.

Now that you’ve gotten your roses and picked a spot, you’re ready to start digging. You want to make the hole you’re planting in about twice the size of your rose’s roots. This will allow the roots room to expand easily and grow strong once they are planted. If you’re planting bare rooted roses, be sure to dig your whole at least a foot wide to allow for future root growth.

You can now plant your rosebush! Place the rose in the hole, making sure to place it in the position you like best. You are now ready to refill the hole, but instead of replacing the old dirt add a mixture of compost and manure (heavy on the compost). This will make sure the bush has enough nutrients to take hold and survive.

The last thing you need to do is apply fertilizer (chemical or organic is fine) and water. Be sure to water regularly and fertilize every 6 weeks. This will help your bush grow healthy and strong.

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Many kids have household chores: taking out the trash, dusting, and other simple projects. When I was a kid, my mom would put me to work pulling weeds in the garden. Why weed pulling? Simple: she didn’t want to do it. Getting rid of weeds can be painful and time consuming. There are many chemical products on the market today, but they can be hazardous and many of them simply don’t work. Here are a few other options to minimize the amount of back-break weed pulling you’ll have to do this year.

If you’re just starting a garden, or if you only grow annual plants, you can simply till the weeds under and into the soil. If you have perennial weeds that keep popping, kill them once and for all using solarization. First, pull or till under all the current weeds. Then, add a black plastic sheet over top of your soil. This will cause heat up the soil in your garden, killing any seeds that may be hiding under the surface. The disadvantage of this method is that it may kill beneficial bacteria as well. It also can’t be used if you have perennial plants in your garden because it will damage the root structure.

If you have perennials and don’t want to tear up your entire garden, keep weeds away by adding mulch. Mulch keeps sunlight from reaching the soil; which prevents weed seeds from germinating. You will have to get rid of weeds to start with, but it will control prevent them from coming back. As an added benefit, mulch helps keeps your soil moist and moderates the temperature, which improves the health of your plants. You can use yard clippings, tree bark, or most organic materials to mulch your garden.

Whatever method you use, it’s likely you’ll still have to pull a few weeds, but remember that you can always get the kids to help out!

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Roses are probably the post popular and desired garden plants around.  They are pleasantly fragrant and often considered to be one of the most beautiful flowers available.  However, if you’ve decided to plant roses in your garden, you’ve probably already discovered that there are many more varieties than most people imagine.  While it’s hard to detail all the different types of roses available, here’s some information on so of the most popular varieties.

Hybrid Teas.  Picture a rose in your head.  It’s pretty likely that the rose you’re picturing is a hybrid tea.  If you buy roses in a bouquet from a florist, you’ll be getting hybrid teas.  These plants grow straight stems, about 3-6 feet high, with a single flower at the end.  They come in almost every color; so they can be fit into almost any garden color scheme

Climbing Roses.  This is actually a group of several different types of roses.  These plants naturally sprawl out along the ground; they must be trained to climb up trellises and other supports. Climbing roses can have single flowers, or clumps of blooms.  The blooms of these plants will also vary in color and size.

Pimpinellifola Roses.  These roses grow on small shrubs.  They are considered a great rose for beginners because they are very hardy and attractive.  However, they don’t come in as many colors as hybrid tea roses.  Available colors include red, pink, yellow and white.

Miniature Roses.   These roses are exactly what they sound like: smaller versions of larger types of rose bushes.  Not only are the bushes smaller, about 1-3 feet, they also have smaller leaves and blooms.  The blooms are less than 2 inches in diameter.  Because of their size, these flowers can also be grown in pots or fit into small spaces.

When choosing a variety of rose or any other type of flower, try not to rely on pictures; they can be deceiving.  Talk to friends, relatives, and neighbors to see if any of them have the varieties you’re looking for. This way you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when your flowers start to bloom; giving you the most beautiful garden possible.

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If you have a tiny yard and would like a simple but well-maintained garden, you only need two things – determination and know-how.  Here are some tips on how to keep your garden by the yard looking spruced up and glamorous.

1. Deadheading – Keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flower heads will encourage the plants to produce more blooms for longer. Many perennials such as geraniums and dahlias, and some annuals benefit from having spent blooms removed

3. Pinch out tops – Certain plants – especially foliage plants like Coleus – respond with a spurt of growth when their tops are pinched out. Pinching out makes the plant much bushier and so more blooms are produced. Fuchsias are prone to becoming leggy unless they are pinched out.

4. Fertilize lightly – A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion. A fortnightly application of liquid fertilizer is sometimes more beneficial than granules as it is more readily absorbed by the leaves. Container plants will be considerably healthier with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer applied regularly.

5. Weed out – This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your garden by the yard.  Remember, weeds compete with your plants for both nutrients and moisture. If the weeds are not close to seeding, leave them on the bed to rot down for mulch. If you must use a weedicide, try and get a wick applicator, rather than a spray. This will protect you plants from spray-drift.

6. Water them well – One good tip when it comes to watering your garden by the yard is to give it a thorough soaking once a week, making sure there is no run-off to cause erosion. Deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots that will be able to withstand dry spells weatherwise

7. Say no to chemicals – Chemicals are dangerous to humans and often kill the natural predators of the pest in your garden, so avoid them if possible. There are many organic alternatives that work almost as well.

With these simple tips, your garden by the yard will soon be the envy of your neighbors.

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My passion for sunflowers, those beautiful radiant summer flowers that brighten up my backyard garden, first began when I was a child. I was fascinated by the fact that from just a few relatively small seeds, I could grow the most amazing giants.

The cottage gardens of old would surely not give the same beautiful display each summer, without one or two of these tall statuesque plants. If you prefer to look down on your plants rather than admiring them from below looking skywards, then the smaller and dwarf varieties are for you! There are plenty of stunning varieties in bright, rich yellows, deep orange, coppery reds and browns. The sunflower gets its name from the Greek words Helios meaning sun and anthos meaning flower. There are some 67 species within the Helianthus genus. Most oilseed and ornamental sunflowers are Helianthus annuus.

SUNFLOWER FACTS:

It is thought that cultivation of sunflowers may predate that of many of the crops used by our forefathers, such as corn, beans and squash. In many countries the seeds of sunflowers were roasted and ground into a fine meal for baking, or used to thicken soups and stews. Roasted and crushed sunflower hulls (thin shell which encases the seed within) were steeped in boiling water to make a coffee-like beverage. Dye was extracted from the hulls and petals. Face paint was made from dried petals and pollen. Oil, extracted from the ground seeds by boiling, provided many tribes people with cooking oil and hair treatment. Medicinal uses included everything from wart removal, to snake bite and sunstroke treatment. In Peru, the Aztecs worshiped sunflowers, they placed sunflower images made of gold in their temples and crowned their royal personages in the bright yellow flowers. When the sunflower was first sent to Europe, it was mainly grown as a garden flower. It was not used as an edible crop again until it reached Russia. In Russia, the Holy Orthodox Church forbade the use of many foods, including many rich in oil, during Lent and Advent. The Russians eagerly accepted the sunflower as an oil source that could be eaten without breaking the laws of the church. Sunflower seeds became a snack food even then and in many countries it is still a popular snack today, without doubt, it is healthier than many of the sweet treats and snacks so popular in Britain. In many parts of Europe sunflowers provide leaves for smoking and flower buds for salads.

Commercial sunflower crops are of two types. One is to produce edible seeds and the other is for oil seed crops. The large grey striped seeds used for eating, make about 25% of sunflower crops and the other 75% is for sunflower oil. Worldwide more than five million metric tons of sunflowers seeds are grown each year. The best varieties developed in Russia contain about 50% oil and are superior quality for cooking. The oil from sunflower seeds is high in polyunsaturated fats. It is light and pale in colour, a low level of saturated fats, a neutral taste, and is able to withstand high cooking temperatures. In health conscious households around the world, because it is light, it is generally preferable to animal fats for cooking.
The small black seeds of oilseed sunflowers are also a favourite with the birds. Sunflower seeds are high in energy and provide many of the nutrients that most wild birds need. The seed makes excellent chicken-food and feeding fowl on bruised sunflower seeds is well known to increase their laying power.

The types of sunflowers grown as a food crop are also known as non-oilseed sunflowers. These produce larger black-and-white-striped seeds, which are either sold plain or roasted and may be salted for extra flavour.
Hybrid sunflowers now dominate commercial production as well as ornamental sunflower varieties. One variety that has survived over a very long time is ‘Mammoth Russian’, it is offered by seed companies but is known by many names such as ‘Russian Giant’, ‘Tall Russian’, ‘Russian Greystripe’, or simply ‘Mammoth’. An ornamental variety that has survived is Helianthus debilis ‘Italian White’. In the last few years, three new types have been introduced into the market. The first has a sturdy central stem that produces multiple branches with many flowers. The result is a showy garden plant that is excellent for cutting. Staking is not required. The second type is a dwarf plant that reaches only 1 to 2 ft. (30cm-60cm) tall. These dwarf varieties are wonderful for use in small gardens and containers. The third type is the “pollenless” varieties bred for their use as cut flowers. Being without pollen takes away the risk of staining cloths and soft furnishings, which often happens when Sunflowers are brought into the home.

CULTIVATION:

Sunflowers are easy to grow provided they have direct sun. Well-prepared, rich, fertile soil will yield large flower heads and the meatiest seeds. Young seedlings can withstand light frosts so seeds can be planted out in April. Tall growing varieties should be thinned to stand 2 to 2 ½ ft. (60cm-75cm) apart in the garden and if you are not growing one of the varieties that do not require staking, dwarf varieties fall into this category, then it is better to stake to help support the seed head under windy conditions. The sunflower is phototropic when the plant is in the bud stage, meaning that it tends to follow the movement of the sun from east in the morning to west in the afternoon. Once the flower opens, most sunflowers face east.

HARVESTING:

A sunflower is ready to harvest when the back portion of the head turns brown. If the weather is warm and dry, the best plan is to leave the plants alone, so that the ripening process can be carried out naturally, the heads being cut when about to shed their seeds.

When the head shrivels and the seeds are ripe, cut the plants at the ground level, standing them with their heads uppermost, like shocks or sheaves of corn. If you keep rabbits or poultry the cut leaves can be striped off and fed to them.

When the heads are thoroughly dry, cut them off and thresh out the remaining seeds by standing each head on its side and taping it with a mallet. Store the seeds in paper bags, in a dry place. The two important things to remember are that the seeds are not ready if they are difficult to remove from the head, and they will not keep very long if not dry when stored.

If the weather is dull or wet, unfavourable for ripening seed out-of-doors, hasten the ripening by cutting the plants at ground level and take them into a cool, dry, place to dry out; make sure that the store is well ventilated. When the heads shrivel, cut them off and complete drying in a very slow oven. Place the heads in single layers on the shelves of an oven set at the lowest setting, leaving the door slightly open.

MORE SUNFLOWER FACTS:

The tallest sunflower grown on record was 25 ft (750cm) tall and was grown in the Netherlands.

The largest sunflower head on record measured 32-½ in. (80cm) across its widest point and was grown in Canada.

The shortest mature sunflower on record was just over 2 in. (50mm) tall and was grown in Oregon using the Bonsai technique.

Sunflowers are a good bee plant, as it provides hive bees with large quantities of wax and nectar.

Sunflowers, when the stalks are dry, are as hard as most woods and therefore make an excellent fire; the ash obtained after burning is rich in potash. The ash should be either spread at once or stored under cover; if left exposed to rain, the potash will be washed away and the ash rendered of little value. It can be used particularly on potato or other root crop in the following season, being spread before the crop is planted, at the rate of from 3 oz. to the square yard. Shredded stalks make good mulching material.

ROASTED SUNFLOWER SEEDS:

• Roast the seeds in a frying pan at low heat, or in a shallow pan in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Mix one-cup of seeds with two teaspoons vegetables oil and one-teaspoon salt.
• Heat and stir continuously in the frying pan until they are hot.
• Stir every 10 minutes to prevent scorching in the oven, more frequently in a frying pan on top of the cooker.

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If you have ever used fennel in your meal preparations, you immediately notice the licorice aroma. This is because fennel is a key component in licorice.  This herb, though not widely used, is nonetheless quite popular among culinary experts. Most notably used in Italian cuisine, fennel has many health benefits which will be discussed herein.

Fennel is a yellow-flowered herb originating in the Mediterranean, but now commonly used in Europe and Asia.  You’ve no doubt heard of fennel seeds? Well the seeds, leaves, and roots of the fennel have been used as medicinal agents as far back as ancient China.  Used for congestion, conjunctivitis, stimulating appetite (which is why most Italians serve fennel as an appetizer), and increases the flow of breast milk. It has also been used to treat colic in infants.  Fennel also serves as prevention against muscle spasms and helps to relieve gas and an upset stomach. Fennel is an antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant.

Fennel seed is used for treatment of digestive problems such as bloating, flatulence and mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Fennel syrup is used for the upper respiratory tract. Externally, the oil eases muscular and rheumatic pains. Fennel and its juice contain some valuable properties. The nutrients are similar to those in celery, which belong to the same family, but it is the essential oil that promotes relief for an upset stomach.  It is also used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments to help rebuild the digestive system. Fennel seed ground and made into tea is believed to be good for snake bites, insect bites or food poisoning.  It increases the flow of urine. It is gargled for hoarseness and sore throats.

Combined with carrot juice, fennel is very good for eye conditions such as night blindness or a weakening of the optic nerve. In addition, if you add beet juice to carrot and fennel, the efficacy of all three creates a remedy for anemia and excessive menstruation. Fennel is also used in drugs to treat chills. In fact, if you boil the fennel leaves and inhale the steam, it can relieve asthma and bronchitis conditions.

As you can see, the fennel herb has a variety of medicinal properties and can be eaten cooked or raw. If you wish to use fennel and partake in its obvious benefits, you can make a juice of fennel and carrots, or combine these with beet juice as well.  You can use a blender or a juicer.  Either way, you will be promoting good health in using fennel as part of your dietary regimen, since a preponderance of evidence suggests it promotes weight loss as well.  While fennel has long been associated with Italian cuisine, it has now become one herb growing in popularity across many cultures.

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Next time you’re buying your vegetable seedlings at a garden supply store, take a look at the cost of seeds.  You’ll probably notice they’re a lot cheaper than your seedlings  Not only is growing vegetables from seeds cheaper, it’s also more rewarding.  You can see your work start from scratch.  While it may seem like a lot of extra work, once you know how to do it, it’s fairly simple and easy.

Unlike seedlings, not all seeds are going to give you a plant.  When you go to buy or order you seeds, be sure to get some extra.  You’re probably going to have seeds that don’t germinate, so it’s good to be prepared with more.  This ensures you’ll have all the plants you need.

The next thing you need to consider is whether your seed should be grown directly in the garden, of grown inside like they do at the nursery.  Some plants don’t do well when moved, while others need to be planted separately to avoid the elements.  In most cases, you can figure this out just by looking at directions on the seed packet or by asking a clerk.

When planting directly to the garden, you should take special care to help them germinate.  First, be sure not to plant them too deep; no deeper than three times the length of the seed.  Second, take care not to have your plants eaten by critters in your yard.  If you can’t block off your garden, feed the birds and other animals so they’re less likely to dig for seed.  Lastly, be sure to properly prepare the soil before planting, and don’t plant too early when they soil is still cold.

If your plants need to be germinated indoors, there are several steps you should take to insure they grow.  First, most plants should be planted in separate spaces in seedling trays.  This insures their roots don’t have to compete.  Some people prefer to plant two in each container and pull the one that isn’t growing as well.  You should also remember to provide adequate light; either through windows or a greenhouse lamp.  Once they’ve started to grow, you can then transplant them to your garden.  By this time, your ground should be warmer and your plants should flourish.

With a little time and effort, you’ll soon be eating your very own fresh veggies.  Enjoy!

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Coriander is widely used in meal preparations.  However, it is also a powerful herb which has many health benefits. Commonly known as cilantro, the leafy herb used in most cuisines, the seeds taken from these leaves are known as coriander. Let’s review why coriander is truly an herb for the ages.

Traditionally, coriander is a perennial herb.  Its sweet-smelling aroma is transmitted by its tender green fruits, and when ripe, turn a brownish yellow. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it is an herb that thrives in black soil and arid regions.  Considered to be rich in various food elements, the coriander leaves contain protein, fat, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and water.  The minerals and vitamins include: vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, sodium, potassium, and oxalic acid.   These leaves act as stimulants and tonics. They strengthen the stomach and promote digestion, increase secretion and discharge of urine and reduce fever. They act as an aphrodisiac, and help in the removal of phlegm. Coriander seeds reduce fever, and offer a feeling of coolness.

The juice of coriander is beneficial in producing vitamin A, B1, B2, C and iron. In addition, one or two teaspoons of coriander juice, added to fresh buttermilk, is highly beneficial in treating digestive disorders such as indigestion, nausea, dysentery, hepatitis and colitis. It is also helpful in typhoid fever. In addition, the drinking of coriander water helps lower blood cholesterol. It is prepared by boiling dry seeds of coriander and straining them after cooling, then drinking the liquid.

Dry coriander treats diarrhea. Coriander seeds are known to alleviate excessive menstrual flow. Used as an eye-wash, freshly dried coriander is an excellent in treating conjunctivitis. It relieves burning and reduces pain and swelling.

Topically, a teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is an effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin. The mixture should be applied to the face, after washing it thoroughly, every night before going to bed.

While the young plants of coriander are used in chutneys, sauces, curries and soups, its oil is used for flavoring and in medicine. In the dried form, coriander is an important ingredient of curry powder and is also used in pickling spices, sausages, seasoning, and confectionery and for flavoring spirits, particularly gin. Dry coriander should be sparingly used by persons suffering from bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Considering its medicinal properties, it’s no wonder coriander is commonly used for both internal and external consumption.  Whether using cilantro in your menu, or coriander seeds; you are benefiting from its natural properties in an effort to promote good health.

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Climbing roses can be a very beautiful addition to a garden when properly cared for; however, when left to their own devices they can become quite a problem. An unpruned climbing rose can not only turn into a large mess in your garden, but also endanger the health of the bush. In order to keep your climbing roses healthy and looking great, you should learn the right way to prune them.

For the first two to three years, you want to do as little pruning as possible. This gives the bush time to make long canes that will branch and grow. You can take this time to help guide the canes in the direction you want them to grow. This is done by tying them to trellises or other support structures. The only pruning that should be done during this time is to remove dead or diseased growth. This will prevent the disease spreading, and will give the healthy portions a better chance at survival.

When your bush is old enough to begin regular pruning, there are a few things you need to remember. First, major pruning should be done before in the winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. If possible, you want to have 4 to 6 main canes on your bush. These should be chosen by which appear the healthiest and which are growing in appropriate areas. Prune extra canes down to the ground to prevent regrowth.

For regular maintenance, you only want to prune the minor branches of your bush. If you remove a main cane, you’re removing a lot of the support structure for other areas of the bush. Also, keep in mind that first year growth does not bloom. If you trim all your old growth, don’t expect to have flowers in the spring.

When a cane of a climbing rose gets old, it becomes woody and less visually appealing. When a cane is gets to this stage, you should prune it off at the very bottom of the cane. This allows new growth to form in the same spot, giving you a lively, healthy plant.

If you remember these tips and keep your climbing roses properly pruned, you’re sure to have beautiful blooms for a long time to come.

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