Healthy Pruning Habits

Dip pruners in rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of fungi and bacteria among plants. Add a strip of colorful tape to the end of loppers and other gardening tools to help keep track of them in the garden.

Since pruning equipment can easily spread bacteria and viral diseases from branch to branch and plant to plant, practicing good sanitation can prove invaluable. Host John Cretti shares some easy tips on "keeping it clean."

Materials:

• isopropyl alcohol
• disinfectant spray
• pipe insulation
• scissors
• red electrical tape

Guidelines:

• When heading outdoors to prune, take along a jar of alcohol that's large enough to accommodate the smaller tools that will be used. Larger tools, such as pruning saws, should be sprayed on both sides with disinfectant spray.
• Before starting to prune, dip the pruners into the alcohol for several seconds, and re-dip between prunings. (Follow the same guidelines for spraying larger tools.)
• Grip tip: To get a better hold on garden tools, try this easy technique: Purchase a small length of pipe insulation and slide it over the handle of the tool(s). Secure in place with a bit of adhesive or durable tape. (Using brightly colored tape can make it easier to keep track of tools when working in the garden.)

Also in this Episode

Winter Gardener : Episode TWG-118
•	Forcing Prunings to Bloom
•	Healthy Pruning Habits