When we first start out to garden we are dismayed when our carefully tended plants suddenly look sick. But gradually we learn that, plant, like humans are subject to illness. If your plants have powdery blooms, sooty moulds or shot holes on the leaves or in fruit, then they may have a garden disease.
Growing plants in the appropriate spot, with the right soil pH, water, light and soil preparation can prevent many of these diseases. If you have an outbreak, make sure you have correctly identified the problem (check out the articles listed below). Once you know what you’re up against, you’re in a better position to seek a solution to treat the problem.
Sometimes there is a simple cure for plant disease e.g. making sure plants are well-fed with compost and manure, avoiding leaves getting wet. These are much more sustainable because they don’t put chemicals that might harm insects or amphibians or pollute waterways.
Low Impact Pest Management 101 Video
Sustainable Gardening 101 Video Series PART 3: Low Impact Pest Management Gardens are the natural habitat for all types of insects – the good, the…
Myrtle Rust is a Spreading Problem
Myrtle rust is a spreading problem in Australia. It is a fungus, Puccinia psidii, which affects plants in the family Myrtaceae. While there are…
Early Blight of Tomatoes
Hi, my name is: Early Blight of Tomatoes Describe yourself: I'm a saucy little fungal disease with a real thing for the leaves of tomato plants!…
Pea Blight
Bacterial disease such as pea blight can be tricky to diagnose since bacteria aren't visible to the human eye; in fact they can only be seen under…
Winter Washing of Fruit Trees
Although it may look like there is not much happening with your fruit trees over winter, the microscopic world of fungi is making plans,…
Virus or Variegation
A common error gardeners make is to assume that appearance of coloured areas on leaves is caused by natural variegation, fungal infection or nutrient…
Black Spot of Rose
Hi, my name is: Black Spot of Rose Describe yourself: Umm, my name pretty much says it all. I'm a black spot, kinda round with fringed margins and…
Peach Leaf Curl
Peach leaf curl is a virulent and resistant fungal disease that appears on the leaves of fruit trees in early spring. As the fungus Taphrina…
Powdery Mildew
A warm summer evening, a little bit of moisture, a shady spot in the garden – sounds like a recipe for powdery mildew! Powdery Mildew is a warm…
Blossom End Rot
Hi, my name is: Blossom End Rot Describe yourself: Firstly, let me just say that I am not a disease, a fungus, a virus or any of that! I am a…
Downy Mildew
Hi, my name is: Downy Mildew Describe yourself: I get really sick of people thinking I am powdery. He's my cousin, and, to quote him, I am also a…