The “D” Word
DISEASE!
We’ve all learned a lot about diseases in the past couple years. Covid has caused a lot of disruption to our lives. Just like humans, plants can get diseases too. Our southern humidity can do a number on plants. We can’t control our humidity, but there are a few things you can do to help combat common plant diseases.
Tip # 1 - Healthy plants. I probably sound like a broken record now but this is the best way to combat pests or diseases. Healthy = ability to fight infection. Just like humans, you’re better off fighting a disease if you’re healthy to start with. Remember the key to keeping your plants healthy…start with good soil, watering practices, and fertilizing.
Tip # 2 - Watering. Back in May, I wrote about tips for watering. (You can find that post here.) Your choice for watering can effect your plants and plant disease. Top watering can accelerate some diseases. Sometimes it increases your chances for powdery mildew or soil borne diseases from splash back…meaning there are spores in your soil, the soil finds its way onto your plants from watering, and then the spores begin to multiply. Another reason setting up irrigation is important, as well as keeping your soil healthy.
Tip # 3 - Air flow. Sometimes diseases are caused by lack of airflow to your plants. Did you know your plants need to breathe? Plants need enough space to be able to breathe in order to grow strong and healthy. Carbon dioxide and humidity can build up around a plant causing the plant to be more vulnerable to disease. It is important to space your plants properly and prune properly!
Tip # 4 - Clean your pruners. Cleaning your pruners as you move from plant to plant is important. It’s much easier to spread diseases if you’ve pruned one diseased plant and move straight to the next. Wipe off your pruners with some alcohol when moving between plants. Think of it like washing your hands after being in contact with someone who was sick.
Tip # 5 - Discard. Throw your diseased plants or trimmings into a fire pit or a pile you don’t use for compost. Do not throw it into your regular compost. The spores from a lot of plant diseases live in the soil, so by throwing them in your compost, you will continue the cycle if you use your compost in the garden!
Diseases in the garden can be managed, but the key is to not have them in the first place! By implementing the tips above you have a greater chance of your plants being healthy. If your plants do acquire a disease, it’s important to catch it quickly in order to manage it. Sometimes, depending on the disease, it’s best to pull a plant and save your other plants from the disease.
Bonus: Here are some common diseases to be on the lookout for here in the south: powdery mildew, tomato blight, downy mildew, leaf spot, and damping off.
Unsure where to start? Reach out, schedule a consult, and lets keep your garden disease free!!
Don’t forget to check back next month for my next blog…fall planning!! Yes, I know August is hot, but it’s not far from the cooler temperatures and all things fall!!
