How you can rid your garden of pests and disease

Disease or pest infestation can cause plants to look sickly even if they are fertilized and well-watered. Prevent the problem from occurring, or nip it in the bud, with these simple steps:

• Look for plants bred to avoid diseases common to that plant.
• Examine your plants often for signs of disease and pest infestation. That way you can cure them before the damage becomes serious.
• Problems spread fast when pests can jump from plant to plant. Mix plants and avoid overcrowding them.
• Keep leaves and stems dry to prevent fungal diseases.
• When watering, soak the soil, not the plant. Try a soaker hose that can be buried in the soil and water early in the morning so that water can evaporate by nightfall.
• A plant that has too much or too little light, has the wrong soil or is in an unsuitable climate is more susceptible to disease and pests than a plant with the right growing conditions.

• An insect is to blame if there are signs of chewing or burrowing or if a plant has been cleanly cut off. Webs also point to an insect infestation.
• If you're unsure, put a piece of white paper under or near the plant and gently shake or tap it. If specks of red, brown or black appear, insects are the cause of the problem.
• A disease is likely to be the problem if there are powdery residues, galls, mildew, fungi, rotting or shrivelled areas or mold.

If the problem persists, ask an expert to help you diagnose and treat the problem. Here's where to find the best help:

• Local nurseries and garden centres: Take in a part of the problem plant and show it to a trained staff person.
• The Internet: You can search the Internet using the keyword "gardening" for information.

A plant with a weed-free environment, properly prepared soil and enough water will be naturally resistant to pests and disease. But that sometimes isn't enough. Learning the signs of plant disease and pests, and then knowing how to eliminate the problem, is your best bet for keeping your garden healthy.