4 Common Plant Problems and

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.

Not Enough Water… or Your Garden is Thirsty

Underwatering is easier to correct if caught in time. Leaves will be yellow or brown and crispy. The plant's overall appearance will be wilted and the stem may be brittle. To correct, water slowly and deeply. If the pot can be moved, take it to a shady area and put it in a larger container of water. Leave the plant for a few hours or overnight to allow roots to soak water and soil to feel moist to touch.

If your garden is frequently stressed from too little water, it may be time to reevaluate plant placement and watering schedules. Some plants are more thirsty than others and need partial shade to survive San Antonio summers. Irrigation systems may be worthwhile, especially if smart features like rain sensors are used. If it is hard to handwater potted plants regularly, try using a slow drip system, such as a plastic water bottle with punched holes to release water as needed. Another trick is to try to water at the same time each day and use the time to quietly reconnect with nature.

Not Enough Nutrients ... or Your Garden Is Deprived

Nutrient deficiency can lead to stunted plants that do not produce fruits, vegetables, or bloom. For a garden to thrive, appropriate amounts of macro and micronutrients must be available. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three fertilizer ingredients holding the key to a happy plant.

Nitrogen deficiency will result in yellow leaves from the bottom of the plant up, while lack of potassium will cause browning or yellowing on leaf edges. Lack of phosphorus causes older leaves to have a purple or bronze underside and is responsible for a lack of blooms.

Diagnoses can be based on symptoms or a soil test. Soil tests are worth the investment, especially when moving into a new home or starting an in-ground garden for the first time. They will reveal the soil pH, the levels of both macronutrients and micronutrients, available organic material, and explain the soil texture including how well it will drain. San Antonio has alkaline soil that is very rocky. Although improvements can be made, raised beds or containers may be better than inground gardens.

If you choose to have an in-ground garden, nutritional deficiencies can be countered using organic methods. Soil should be amended with compost on a regular basis. Coffee grounds, composted manure, banana peels, and eggshells are all-natural fertilizers. Ideally, these would be composted first but can be applied directly if broken down into small (pea size or less) pieces.

Not Enough Defense ... or Your Garden is Bugged

Entire books have been written on the various insects that can wreak havoc in the garden. Slugs, cut worms, and aphids are three of the most common creatures that can destroy weeks of work in just a few days. Slugs and snails leave small to medium holes in the middle of leaves while cutworms tend to leave bigger holes in many plant leaves. Cutworms also eat through the stems of seedlings almost at the soil line. Damage from aphids is evident by twisted, curling, yellowed leaves.

There are several approaches to combat insect damage. At one extreme are pesticides that will kill indiscriminately, upset the balance of helpful garden critters, and cause vegetables to be unsafe for consumption. At the other extreme is a donothing approach based on the realization that some loss is going to happen. The best solutions are somewhere in the middle. Pest control may include introducing beneficial nematodes, ladybugs, or lacewings in an attempt to counter harmful insects as a preemptive measure.

Another option is to treat problems as they arise. Once you identify the offending insect, you can specifically eliminate it through the following methods:

Slugs - Bury shallow pans of beer at ground level so slugs fall in and drown

Roly-polies and cutworms - Spread diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant so they can't get to delicate stems

Birds and squirrels - Apply netting to prevent them from reaching into your prized fruits and vegetables

Aphids - Spray affected areas with soapy water or neem and orange oils

Tomato hornworms - Spray BT (bacillus thuringiensis) spray immediately after spotting to interrupt their life cycle. Some adventurous gardeners go so far as to hunt down and squish these offenders. Since they can devour an entire tomato plant in a day, it can be particularly satisfying to turn them into chicken treats

If, despite all of these suggestions, the garden is still struggling, it may be time to step back and reevaluate. Some areas may be too sunny or too shady for plants to thrive, and not every plant is going to do well in South Central Texas. Check out the planting guide on page 26 to select the right plant at the right time of year. Be sure to check plant sun requirements. Seek advice from fellow gardeners and make adjustments as needed. Do not be discouraged if you have some hiccups. With proper water, the right nutrient balance, and a healthy balance of good and bad insects, your plants will thrive!