Friday 7 September 2012

Vol 8: Typical Garden Problems

Garden Set Backs


There are a number of things that can put a dampener on your garden; weeds, pests and disease are just some of them. Don’t let garden nuisances put you off gardening this year!

Here are a few tips on how to keep your garden looking prim and proper all year round!

1. Ants can be a nuisance, although they do not cause damage to plants and often protect root systems by attacking invaders however they are seen as a pest. I will never forget my brother sitting on top of an ants nest as a child, it wasn’t pretty (literally ants in his pants)!Specialised ant killers are available that focus and getting rid of the whole colony rather than only ants that come into contact, to leave you to enjoy your garden all to yourself!

2. Slugs and snails; every gardeners worst nightmare! Not only do they eat your plants and leave a trail of slime, they can also cause lung worm if eaten by dogs and even manage to sneak their way into your home! Slug pellets are a good way to solve the problem, although if you have small children or dogs it is not recommended. Slugs hide under the surface of the soil during the day so using a diluted metaldehyde solution will target both surface and underground slugs and snails to help protect your valuable plants.

3. There are many different
types of diseases that affect various plants in different ways. If you see changes or discolouration to the leaves or flowers research symptoms online to find a cure.

4. Grey mould is one of the most common types of fungus; it affects all plants and is not easily treated. Avoid contamination by disposing of all affected plants and ventilate areas well. Fungicide can also be used.

5. Downy Mildew is also a common problem in plants; this disease has become more resilient due to milder winter temperatures caused by global warming. This causes discolouration to leaves and can also be treated with a suitable fungicide.

6. Honey Fungus is one of the most lethal diseases that attacks the roots of plants. It is cause by spores from honey coloured mushrooms. There is no real cure for this fungus and it is recommended that the plant is removed along with the entire root system to be destroyed. Prevention is the key by keeping your garden hygiene up to scratch.

7. Weeds are the obvious pest in any garden (See Vol:3), ensure your garden is weeded regularly to lessen the load and prevent them taking up valuable plant nutrients.

8. A good way to get rid of green fly is too mix a small amount of mild washing up liquid with vinegar and water and water your plants with it. This should keep the green fly and other pests away.

Problems in your garden are inevitable so it is important to keep on top to ensure that they do not take over! This I some of the key successes to a beautiful healthy garden.


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