CULTIVATE TIPS AND TRICKS
Plant Trouble Got You Down? 4 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
by Georgianna Wells
Sometimes despite all our best efforts, plants struggle. Identifying issues early and knowing how to fix them can mean life or death for your garden. But no need to stress, because this article is here to help. From overwatering to nutrient deficiency, here are some of the most common issues and how to deal with them:
Too Much Water or... Your Garden is Drowning
Overwatering, either from being too attentive or excessive rain, can be detrimental in many ways. With this year’s wetter and cooler weather, one sign of too much water has been mushrooms in the garden. Mushrooms will pop up after heavy rains, even when the garden shows no other signs of overwatering. Mushrooms are signs of healthy soil and not a cause for alarm. However, mushrooms can be toxic, so please do not eat them or let pets eat them unless you are absolutely certain they are safe.
Troublesome signs of overwatering include limp yellow or brown leaves, mushy or unstable plant stems, and soil that smells rotten or has a greenish appearance. If these signs appear and the plant is in a pot, stop watering and repot it if possible. Proper drainage is key and may require drilling a few holes or placing stones at the bottom of the pot to prevent too much water from drowning the roots. For in-ground plants, longer-term solutions may be needed including altering the slope of a yard, finding ways to divert water into a rain barrel, or building up low spots with a mixture of soil and compost. Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 49
