Plants that get have issues or die can really change the look of your garden and set you back on your overall goal look by years. What’s even worse is that you may not even know why it died, or is dying, in the first place. You start wondering if whatever happened will start happening to your other plants.
The best way to keep a garden healthy is to stop it from getting sick from the start. To help, there are preventive measures you can take. These are a few ways you can keep your garden in a healthier state.
Examine Your Plants BEFORE when you Buy
The easiest way to reduce the amount of die-off in your garden is to make sure to examine plants before you buy them and buy them at reputable places. Some places even over a warranty if the plant does die. When you are buying a particular plant do a little research so you know what it is supposed to look like. You may want to even check the plant’s root quality to get an idea of how healthy the plant is. To do this, gently hold the plant crown and tap off the pot. Check to see if the roots are growing in circles around each other (this can lead to girtling) or if they are mushy and rotting (may be a root fungus). Also make sure you get the right plant for the right space!
Prune Properly
These are a few ways you can keep your garden in a healthier state.
Late winter can be a good time to trim some trees and shrubs if the winter is mild enough. Damaged or broken limbs are susceptible to infection as well as take nutrients away from healthy branches. You can also OVER prune. This is bad as well because it can stress out the tree or shrub. Pruning at the wrong time can also cause issues as it can cause stress OR cut off next year’s buds. Make sure to check when it is the best time to prune your particular plant.
Keep Checking On Bugs
Another way you can have die-off in the garden is from insects. Some insects can even cause damage that leads to diseases, while poor pruning can sometimes lead to insect damage. Check your plants regularly for insect damage and if you aren’t sure of what you are looking at contact a professional OR an extension service. Most states or Universities have them.
Use The Right Fertilizer
You have to be careful with the fertilizer you use in your garden. If you add too much, it can burn the roots of your plants, making it harder for them to absorb nutrients and thrive. You should consider getting a soil test with the help of an extension agency. They can help determine the nutrient level your soil has, which in turn makes it easier to know how to go about feeding your plants.
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