What is deadheading in gardening?

Deadheading refers to the practice of removing spent flowers from a plant. This technique is essential because it encourages the plant to produce new blooms, thereby extending the flowering period. When flowers are removed before they go to seed, the plant focuses its energy on generating new flowers rather than producing seeds. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy and vibrant but also promotes overall health by preventing disease and encouraging new growth.

In contrast, the other options reflect different practices in gardening. Pruning back plants for winter is important for plant health but serves a different purpose than deadheading. Planting new flowers in the fall is a practice focused on seasonal planting rather than maintenance of blooming flowers. Lastly, watering plants at night affects moisture management but does not relate to the promotion of flowering through the removal of spent blooms. Thus, deadheading specifically addresses the enhancement of a plant's flowering process.