It can be hard to keep your plants green and vibrant but with this one tip you can help them look their best this summer. This crucial gardening task can make a huge difference to the overall look of your garden.

You might overlook this job, but it’s an easy one to add to your gardening task list and it won’t take you too much extra effort for great results. Plant Grower Report says: “Keeping plants looking their best requires removing any dead or dying leaves, flowers and stems before they begin rotting. Pruning away damaged growth encourages new blooms and healthy foliage.”

By regularly removing dead or yellowing leaves from houseplants, garden flowers, and even shrubs, you can promote growth and improve overall plant appearance. 

While it might seem like a minor chore, failing to do it can have negative consequences for your greenery and leave your garden looking messy.

The task takes only a few minutes but yields noticeable results. Plants often look instantly fresher and more vibrant once dead foliage is cleared away. 

More importantly, consistent pruning encourages new leaves and flowers to develop, especially during the growing season.

This simple habit is particularly important during late summer and early autumn, when many plants begin to shed older leaves. 

Plant Grower Report says you should prune along the edges of damaged areas. It adds that you should take care not to over prune or damage the main stem and healthy tissue of your plants. "Regular deadheading keeps plants looking their best all season long," it says.

It says if leaf tips or margins turn brown, you should use sharp scissors to trim along the dead section, leaving as much healthy green area as possible. It suggests you should make cuts at a 45-degree angle to avoid blunt edges.

You should cut the dead leaves close to the base, but avoid damaging the main stem. 

By adding this simple step to your gardening routine, you could make a huge difference to your outdoor space.