Clipping, trimming and deadheading not only keep your garden looking tidy, but help prevent insect and disease invasions by getting rid of dead and dying vegetation and plant debris that can harbor pests. Whether you're a gardener with a green thumb or not, you know that pests and disease can destroy a prized plant or worse, an entire garden. Grooming plants is one way to keep pests and disease away and keep your garden in pristine condition.
In addition, constant snipping has a desirable effect on most plants’ growth. If you allow faded flowers to remain on the plant after being pollinated, the plant’s energy goes into producing seeds or fruit rather than into producing new flowers. Conversely, when you remove a faded flower, the plant will pump out more flowers. When you remove branch tips or outer leaves, you promote a lusher, thicker, more compact and more attractive plant.
The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc./GID
Deadhead daffodils to keep pests and diseases at bay.
