A Healthy Start To Autumn

Warmth and damp need not lead to problems, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

The turning colours and late warmth make the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness one of my favourite times of year. However, late sunshine, calm weather and increased rainfall make autumn a Shangri-la for pests and diseases.

Nip potential problems in the bud by making sure your garden is as hygienic as possible, sweeping the patio, removing weeds, deadheading, and removing dead and dying plant material.

The main problems in early autumn are the re-emergence of slugs and snails, continuing problems with aphids, and vine weevils in patio pots. These can all be dealt with using chemicals, organic sprays or nematodes – biological controls that parasitise specific pests and are safe to use around children, pets and garden wildlife.

Common diseases at this time of year are mildewed and mould that thrive in warm, still, damp conditions exacerbated by summer growth starting to go over, creating lots of soft, dying material.