There is no need to reach for chemicals to keep plants healthy
Whatever we grow in our gardens, and however much care and attention we lavish upon plants, sooner or later we will have to deal with pests and diseases. Moreover, as border checks on plants coming in from abroad appear to become more cursory, our green things are at greater risk of new diseases that we have no protection against. But that is a future threat that may not come to pass at all, and to be honest, we have enough to deal with at the moment!
Garden centres are crammed with products for killing pests and chemicals to treat diseases, but while they may be effective, they also have a disastrous knock-on effect for the rest of the garden. Pesticides are indiscriminate killers and also remove vital species from the food chain, while fungicides aren’t always necessary if plants have the right conditions and are kept healthy. Even the RHS, which used to advocate chemical cures, is now turning towards more ecological methods of controlling problems.
Start well by always buying healthy plants and remembering the old adage ‘right plant, right place’ when adding them to beds and borders. Ensure plants have enriched soil (dig in lots of well-rotted manure or compost) and plenty of space so they can grow well with good airflow and not be smothered. When diseases arise, remove affected material immediately, and dispose ofnever add it to the compost.
Trees and shrubs that show signs of sickness should have the diseased wood removed back to healthy growth at the appropriate pruning time. Make sure plants receive adequate food and water when needed, and lift and store them undercover in late autumn if necessary.
