With the arrival of winter, the switchgrass is far from fulfilling its tasks this year. If you reach for the scissors too quickly, you are depriving yourself of a winter eye-catcher in the bed and on the balcony. Likewise, the garden's beneficial insects lose a safe shelter. However, the switchgrass cannot be cut completely. Read how to do it right here.
When and how should you cut switchgrass?
Switchgrass should be cut in early spring, between February and March. Gather the stalks into a bunch and cut or saw them hand-width above the ground. Wear protective gloves and use sharp, disinfected scissors or saw.
Best time is in spring
A hardy switchgrass is not affected by bitter frost down to -28 degrees Celsius. However, if the interior of the nest is exposed to constant winter moisture, there is a risk of rot and mold. The withered stalks therefore act as a natural protective shield against the rigors of cold, wet conditions. The garden's beneficial insects also appreciate this advantage, so the switchgrass is a frequently visited shelter.
Do not cut back your switchgrass until early spring. Choose a date in February or March, in time for the new shoots. If the first tips of the stalk fall victim to the scissors, they turn brown. You will then struggle with this shortcoming for the rest of the year.
The correct cut works like this
The delicate appearance of the stalks belies the sharp edges that cause painful cuts. Therefore, please put on protective gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) before you start working with the freshly sharpened, disinfected scissors or saw. How to do it right:
- Gather the stalks into a bunch with one hand
- With the other hand, cut or saw the grass hand-width above the ground
Looking at the capricious weather of the past few years, budding may have taken place very early in the year after a mild winter. In this case, put the scissors or saw aside. With gloved hands, comb out the grass as much as possible.
Tip
Pruning in early spring marks the start of this year's care program. Now is the best time to give your switchgrass the momentum it needs with a generous portion of compost and horn shavings for a lush sprouting of fresh stalks.
