TOOLS
&
TIPS
FOR
EVERYONE
WHO
LOVES
TO
DIG
W h y
w a i t ?
F o r c e
b r a n c h e s
f o r
c o l o r n o w !
D epends on w hen
Forcing branches in
January takes longer
(several weeks) than
doing so in February
or March (when it
.
may take just a week
or two).
O u t s id e , tr e e s a n d s h r u b s s n o o z e
w h ile w a it in g f o r w a r m e r d a y s .
B u t in d o o r s , b r a n c h e s q u ic k ly b u r s t
i n t o b lo o m .
I n v it e y o u r f a v o r it e
p la n t s i n f o r a p r e - s p r in g f lin g .
T a k e y o u r p ic k — m a n y
p la n t s r e s p o n d t o f o r c in g :
q u in c e ,
r i g
h
t ,
f o r s y t h ia ,
c r a b a p p le , r e d b u d , w i l d p lu m ,
a n d s e r v ic e b e r r y a re f a v o r it e s .
PLACE IN WATER INDOORS
Immediately put the
branches into water in a
clean bucket, then place it all in the
shower and run a tepid spray on the
branches for a few minutes.
3
LET THEM SETTLE IN
Remove from the shower,
wrap the branches in a
plastic bag, then move the bucket of
branches to a cool, dimly lit place
until you begin to see the buds swell
(in a few days to a few weeks).
Change is good
Fresh water daily
gets the longest
life from forced
1
MAKE THE CUTS
After the new year, cut pencil-
thick branches 12-24 inches
long from a favorite tree or shrub.
4
ENJOY AN EARLY SPRING
When the buds are ready
to pop, move them to your
favorite vase, and decorate! For
better longevity, keep branches out
of direct sunlight and away from
heating vents.
branches.
PHOTO: BLAINE MOATS
