HOW TO AVOID A PLANT-ASTROPHE!

A plague on all our plants? Hopefully not, says David Patch, who this month offers some sound advice on how to keep our precious fruit crops free of pests and diseases

- David Patch

Over the past two years, we’ve all had a crash course in virology, understanding more than we ever did (or perhaps ever wanted to) about how infectious diseases can be transmitted. We’ve also learnt how even relatively simple steps can work to help prevent them spreading.

As gardeners we are all too aware of the seemingly unending panoply of pests and diseases lurking unseen to wreak havoc on our best-laid plans. Timely then to have a look at some of the reasons disaster can strike, and more importantly what we can do to prevent this happening. I’m not aiming to look at specific problems and their relevant solutions, more a general, holistic approach about how to minimize the chances of disaster striking, and having the healthiest and heaviest cropping fruit trees possible.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t a guide to organic gardening. While I completely agree with the principles and try to implement these as much as possible, I’m a very pragmatic gardener. If it works, I’ll do it. I try to limit my use of pesticides and herbicides as far as possible, but in extremist, I have certainly reached for a bottle of bug spray when a prized plant is infested with aphids. It’s a quick fix when time is short – and time in my own garden is certainly in very limited supply at times. I tend to take the view that I don’t have to be perfect, just ‘good enough. With this in mind, let’s look at some general principles which will stand us in good stead for a healthy fruit garden.

RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE