We reveal the top ten plant diseases in British gardens, but do you have one in your garden?
HOW many times have you watched in horror as your favorite plant begins to wilt and turn brown around the edges or develop strange lumps, or worse, turn into slimy sludge?
It’s every gardener’s worst nightmare, and all too often we find that it’s too late to do anything about it.
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But the RHS has just published its ‘annual disease rankings’, which reveals the ten biggest problems facing gardeners in 2023.
And this year there are four new entries: fruit tree blossom wilt, pocket plum, tulip fire and slime flow, all thanks to last year’s damp and rainy spring and summer.
The top diseases reported to the RHS helpline for 2023 are…
HONEY MOLD
This tops the list for the 28th year in a row. It causes white fungal growth between bark and wood – possibly causing clumps of honey-colored mushrooms – and affects more than 140 plants.
The most affected in 2023 were privet, rose and viburnum, and this resulted in dramatic symptoms including death, cracked and bleeding bark and failure to bloom.
APPLE AND PEAR SCIR
This causes dark scabby spots on the fruit trees and twig infections that cause canker.
DANDRUFFY BLACK SPOT
Develops black spots on rose leaves, causing them to fall. Take extra care when cleaning up the fallen leaves. Be sure to burn them to avoid spreading the disease in your compost.
PEAR RUST
Bright orange spots on the upper surfaces of pear leaves.
BLOSSOM OF FRUIT TREES
Causes brown and shriveled flowers and leaves.
BACTERIAL LEAF SPOT AND PRUNUS CANCER
Dead bark and small loopholes in leaves.
PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT
This causes wilting, yellow or sparse leaves and dieback of branches.
BAG OF PLUM
Causes elongated, hollow fruits without stones on plums and prunes, and attacks ornamental Prunus.
TULIP FIRE
Produces brown spots and twisted, withered leaves.
SLIM FLUX
Affects a wide range of trees and shrubs, causing bad odor and bleeding cankers, which can ultimately lead to death.
It’s National Compost Week!
Here are compost king Mick Poultney’s top tips on how to make compost in a month
- The more natural ingredients you can add, the better
- Use finely chopped kitchen scraps along with shredded paper, nothing shiny or colored.
- Topsoil is full of nutrients and organic matter – molehills are fantastic.
- Add fertilizer because that’s where you’ll get your worms.
- Mix a handful of each in a plastic bag and turn several times.
- Empty the bag into a 330 liter Blackwell plastic compost bin. Cover with black plastic to absorb sunlight.
- Level and water if necessary. Place layers of carpet on top. Let the worms do their work. If you need compost, scrape off the top 4 inches, take what you need and replace the scraped layer.
- To learn more about Mick’s tips, visit HERE
Liz Beal, plant pathologist from RHS, said: “Unusually wet weather in 2023 had a significant impact on plant health in the UK, with the prevalence of tulip burn and pocket plum demonstrating the impact of prolonged damp conditions.
“Understanding the conditions in your garden is critical when deciding which plants will thrive where; the right plant in the right place always has a better chance of fighting infections.
“Additionally, gardeners can help combat many of the most common diseases in our rankings by practicing good hygiene, keeping tools clean, and removing diseased plant material from their gardens – and disposing of them safely.”
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NATURAL HEALTH SERVICE
A NEW study from Toolstation has shown what we all know: that gardening reduces stress and cortisol levels.
According to their research based on 100,000 comments on Reddit, this is the most relaxing household chore.
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, clinical psychologist, said: “Gardening can help reduce stress as ecotherapy, interacting with nature, has been linked to the regulation of cortisol, the stress hormone.
“Spending time in a garden setting can help lower cortisol levels, promote a sense of calm and reduce stress.”
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AIR TO THE THRONE
Florists Chrysanthemum, Lady Palm, Peace Lilies, English Ivy and the Snake Plant are among the top five houseplants that ‘purify the air’ – according to new data from Home Improvement specialist Everest.
It analyzed data from NASA, the Mississippi Academy of Sciences and Colorado State University.
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TOP TIP
You can prune your established Magnolia now, even when it is in bloom. This prevents ‘water shoots’ from growing up: the weak vertical shoots that drain the tree’s energy.
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THIS WEEK’S VACANCY
Cut Dogwood, Cotinus (Smokebush) and Willows to just a few inches above the ground, before they begin to leaf out, to promote vigorous growth.
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TO LEARN
Q. Is there a way to prevent cut tulips from drooping when they are put in a vase? The Mother’s Day tulips look a bit sad here. James Thompson, Sunderland.
a. Remove all your tulips from the vase and start by cutting a few centimeters from the end of the tulip. Then take a needle and very carefully push it through the tulip stem under the flower head. This should release any air bubbles in the stems. Replace them in fresh water and hopefully they will perk up overnight!!
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TO WIN!
Are World Water Day on Fridays and research shows that natural water sounds are linked to relaxation and better mental health.
Our fantastic friends from Hydrian life would like to give TWO lucky readers a fountain bundle – worth £199 – that combines their Hydria Water Feature Kit with a charcoal or white planter, plus an Onyx Mosaic and Mindfulness Pebbles fountain head.
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Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
For more information visit www.thesun.co.uk/HYDRIACOMP
Or come in here
Or write to Sun Hydria competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Please include your name, age, email address or telephone number. UK residents 18+ only. Ends at 23:59 GMT 30/03/24.
Terms and conditions HERE
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TO RESCUE!
BRUSH up a storm with Wayfair’s £20.99 Deanna Push Broom
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Or buy the Stiff Bassine Broom from The Range for just €1.89
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