Lessons From Plants: Regular Pruning

Sometimes good advice eventually hurts us

Photo by the author of her very overgrown garden.

I recently began a personal herb garden thanks to Aerogarden (a personal hydroponic system). It was a big leap as I have always loved plants, but have struggled to keep them for various reasons.

While the Aerogarden helps remind me of the watering and feeding, there are a few tasks you have to still remember to do on your own including cleaning and pruning. I particularly struggle with the latter.

I’d gone much too long since my last pruning and finally knew I needed to get out the scissors again as the above cabinet snagged on a few unfortunate branches yet again. However, I quickly realized it needed a much longer pruning session.

The tops of the plants had collected at the lamp, curling around each other as the leaves both burned against the lights and increased condensation to the point it was quite rainforest-esque. My pile of pruned branches and leaves kept growing and growing.

The collection of pruned leaves and branches, including many that were burnt/ curled up and dried. Photo by the author.

I pruned and pruned, finding myself saying “Can’t you tell this is hurting you?!” multiple times before the realization hit me.