Does it get better?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by JackJJW, Jul 15, 2014.

  1. JackJJW

    JackJJW Super Gardener

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2013
    Messages:
    701
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Community and Content Director
    Location:
    Clapham, London
    Ratings:
    +1,559
    Many of my new perennials have problems like powdery mildew, black spots and bugs. It's getting quite disheartening. One week they seem fine and growing, the next they're keeling over requiring emergency chopping and spraying.

    Is this normal for newly planted plants to be so vulnerable and do you think I can expect them to grow back stronger and more resistant next year?

    I'm guessing the fact so many plants have fungus problems it means my back garden is very humid so I will address that with plant selection where I can. It would just be great to know that plants become more resistant as they establish.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  2. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2013
    Messages:
    6,668
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
    Ratings:
    +16,345
    Don't despair, JackJJW! It sometimes seems as though every single plant in the garden has it's own army of bugs and diseases, but most pull through in the end, and next year's conditions could be totally different. The bigger a plant, in theory the more resistant it'll be.
    You can help prevent fungal diseases re-occurring by making sure that you clear up any infected leaves and bin or burn them. I prefer systemic insecticides and fungicides. Watered in around the plant, they don't harm anything else and I'm sure they're more effective than sprays.
     
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • Bilbo675

      Bilbo675 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Mar 15, 2011
      Messages:
      4,495
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Gardener & Plant Sales
      Location:
      South Derbyshire
      Ratings:
      +6,654
      Don't worry too much Jack, many plants are far more resilient than they may look when they're covered in mildew or pests, many recover just fine and grow back strongly next year.

      It has been quite a bad year for aphids and I find in periods of mainly dry weather as we're experiencing this summer powdery mildew can be worse, if it gets so bad cutting the perennials back and giving them a good drenching and feed will do no harm. Then burn the removed foliage :)
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • JackJJW

        JackJJW Super Gardener

        Joined:
        Nov 6, 2013
        Messages:
        701
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Community and Content Director
        Location:
        Clapham, London
        Ratings:
        +1,559
        Thanks Noisette - it's been one of those evenings where I've spotted problems on a whole bunch of plants I thought we're doing well. I'll keep up the regime and I'll try the systemic approach - I hadn't heard of those before! Thanks


        Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
         
        • Friendly Friendly x 1
        • JackJJW

          JackJJW Super Gardener

          Joined:
          Nov 6, 2013
          Messages:
          701
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Community and Content Director
          Location:
          Clapham, London
          Ratings:
          +1,559
          Thanks Bilbo, that makes sense. I'll just keep going and hope they pull through after this very hot weather passes.

          On a positive note I've just gone out and spotted our resident bat is back again this year at last. So that will help with some of the flying pest control!


          Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Friendly Friendly x 1
          • Loofah

            Loofah Admin Staff Member

            Joined:
            Feb 20, 2008
            Messages:
            14,283
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Guildford
            Ratings:
            +25,036
            Short answer, yes.
            Water well in first year, be watchful in the second.
             
            • Informative Informative x 1
            • JackJJW

              JackJJW Super Gardener

              Joined:
              Nov 6, 2013
              Messages:
              701
              Gender:
              Male
              Occupation:
              Community and Content Director
              Location:
              Clapham, London
              Ratings:
              +1,559
              Thanks Loofah!


              Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
               
            Loading...

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Dismiss Notice