TO PINCH OR NOT To PINCH?

Sometimes plants benefit from having their growing tips removed, as Becky Searle explains 

- Becky Searle

I slip on my gardening shoes and step out into the tepid morning air clutching a hot mug of coffee. I make my way directly to my greenhouse, where the sun pours in through the glass. The warm air greets me like a hug, and my shoulders relax. I start lifting propagator lids, letting the condensation flow into the corner and on to the floor. Little green shoots of life are boldly pushing through the soil or holding their leaves in upwards worship to the sun.

I move to my chillies and peppers, still cosy on their heat mats. They have several leaves now, some dark purple, others bright green. One has exquisite white variegation on the leaves. It’s a variety called ‘Fish’ that will go on to produce green and white striped fruit.

We are told so much conflicting information about gardening this time of year. Half the community seems to do one thing, half does something completely different, and everyone claims their way is best. The question of pinching out is no exception to this.

WHAT IS PINCHING OUT?

Pinching out, for those that don’t know, is the practice of beheading certain seedlings to encourage bushier growth. But, as with most things in the garden, there are those who do it and those who do not, especially when it comes to chillies and peppers.