12 garden diseases and disorders – and how to fight back
Garden problems and how to tackle them

Rose black spot: symptoms

A disease is an infection by a micro-organism, either a fungus, a bacteria or a virus. Characterised by yellow discolouration with brown and purple spotting on leaves which eventually causes them to drop. The disease spreads easily from infected areas especially during wet weather and greatly reduces the plants vigour. The fungus is carried on wind-blown rain so expect recurrences and be vigilant at the first signs of illness.
Rose black spot: treatment

Damping off: symptoms

Maybe you're trying to plant up a new garden by growing from seed and you notices the new shoots are not doing so well. A fungal disease that attacks seedlings especially if over-crowded, over-watered and in a badly ventilated environment. It can destroy an entire newly-seeded plant rapidly and the young plants collapse at the base and die. Meanwhile the fungal spores rest in the soil ready to strike again.
Damping off: treatment

Ensure that all pots and tools are thoroughly cleaned so any resting spores are killed. Make sure to use fresh compost and sow seeds thinly. Lastly, place your pots or trays where there is good air flow and don’t over water them. READ MORE: Just moved? Top tips for your new garden
Box blight: symptoms

Box blight: treatment

Honey fungus: symptoms

Honey fungus: treatment

Powdery mildew: symptoms

Powdery mildew: treatment

Potato and tomato blight: symptoms

This disease strikes fear into the heart of anyone trying to grow their own veg. Affecting crops mostly in wet weather when spores can spread, it infects the foliage and causes fruit to rot. The leaves also wither and go brown. This can occur from early summer onwards and unfortunately once an infection takes hold there’s no turning back.
Potato and tomato blight: treatment

Drought: symptoms

A disorder is when the plant is detrimentally affected by something that is not living. We have all experienced harsh drought conditions this summer; parched lawns, cracked earth, plants wilting and dying, crops failing and ponds drying up. Water is essential for our gardens and for healthy plant growth. It's a scary thought to think: what if this weather change is here to stay?
Drought: treatment

Fasciation: symptoms

Fasciation: treatment

Frost damage: symptoms

Frost damage: treatment

Tender plants should be given protection over winter. Either by placing them in a cold frame or greenhouse, porch or garage. With more hardy plants which may still be susceptible, a horticultural fleece can be wrapped around them to provide protection. Mulches around the base of plants can also help. Keep an eye on the weather, especially during early spring, and if a particularly cold spell is due – rush out and cover them up!
Waterlogging: symptoms

Waterlogging: treatment

Shade: symptoms

Whether you're put your greenery in the wrong spot indoors or it's struggling in the garden, too much or too little light is never good. Plants that are struggling in the shade will exhibit either stunted growth or leggy growth towards the light, as well as, failed or reduced flowering and a loss of foliage colour.
Shade: treatment

Rose balling: symptoms

Rose balling: treatment

This disorder isn’t severe and can be easily remedied by taking action. Cut off all the damaged buds until all that is left is a healthy shoot. This prevents mould from taking hold and causing further problems for the rose.
Hungry for more great garden advice? Check out these 13 common garden pests and how to treat them.
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