Pinching out

[eyespydreams]

I always feel like I don't actually know what this means... can anyone give me a definitive guide? Eg Sarah raven has just recommended pinching out first dahlia growth.

It means removing the first growing shoot, or bud. Removing the first bud encourages more flowers. Removing the first shoot from a plant that has several leaves, encourages a bushy plant.
I must admit I'm alway a bit nervous when doing it.

Thanks!

Same with fruit trees...though some say thinning out....I have 300 to get through....

All the plants energy is focussed on growth at the tip of each branch. If you remove the tip then that energy gets focussed on the lateral buds. When they start sprouting the plant gets 'bushy' if that makes sense!

Steve