Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. In gardening, as in many walks of life, tough love has long-term benefits. By pinching out the growing tips of plants in early summer, you’ll get bushier growth and more flowers later in the season.
Popular flowers like cosmos, dahlias, zinnias, chrysanthemums, and asters all benefit from being pinched out in June. It is a quick, easy job for your summer gardening checklist that you can do with your fingertips or a set of sharp pruning tools.
