Potential spring problems

Ruth looks at ways of beating pests and diseases

- Ruth Hayes

EVERYTHING should be growing well, sending out strong new shoots and blooming beautifully if spring is its season.

But let’s not get complacent, because those fresh young shoots can all too easily fall prey to pests and disease.

So while we celebrate regrowth, we must also be alert for any problems and nip them in the bud.

New plants can quickly fall foul of unseen diseases in the soil, especially if they are planted where the same variety has grown previously.

Pansies and violas are susceptible to a fungal disease called leaf spot that causes yellow and black lesions on the foliage and stems, and hollyhocks are vulnerable to a rust disease.

Although these can be treated by fungicides such as Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus and Fungus Clear Ultra, the spores can remain in the soil and reinfect new plants. For this reason, when introducing new plants reduce the risk of repeat infections by planting in fresh soil.

Garden hygiene is also important. Keeping on top of weeding removes places where pests and diseases can lurk, and always dispose of infected plant material instead of composting it.