R

A targeted cut back straight after the first main flush of flowers has faded – usually in June or July – to encourage a second flowering phase in late summer. Particularly effective for species such as delphinium, catmint or hardy geranium (cranesbill). Important: cut spent growth back hard, then water well and, if needed, feed lightly.

Pinching out means removing the unwanted side shoots that grow in the leaf axils of plants – where the leaf joins the stem. This technique is used mainly on tomatoes, but also on some other plants like aubergines and sweet peppers, in order to manage how the plant grows.

Short definition: Romaine lettuces form tall heads with firm, upright leaves. Also known as Cos lettuces.Botanical classification: Lactuca sativa var. longifolia.Typical varieties: Lobjoits Green Cos, Little Gem, Valmaine.Key features: Very crispy leaves. More heat-tolerant than other types of lettuce.

Rose secateurs are a special type of one-handed pruner designed specifically for rose growing. They are usually a smaller bypass pruner, particularly well suited to handling delicate rose stems and thorns.

The royal flower is the central flower of a plant, often the first to open, and it can influence the growth of the remaining flowers and fruit. It is best known in tomato and pepper plants, where it sits in the middle of the first flower truss. This flower is usually especially large and vigorous.