Editor’s note: Last week Marion Owen covered the first three steps of fixing plant issues. The first step was observe visible signs. The second step was check growing conditions and the third step was identify the probable cause. Below are the final two steps.
STEP 4: ASSESS THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, it’s time to assess how serious the issue is. Is it an isolated case or a recurring problem? Brown spots appearing on leaves of a cherry tree one year is not necessarily cause for concern. But if it happens every year, it might be a bigger problem.
Ask yourself, “Are the symptoms mild, or are they getting worse?” A few yellow leaves here and there might not be a big deal, but if the plant is not growing or the damage is spreading, the plant’s life may be at stake.
Now that you’ve observed, checked, identified, and assessed the issue, it’s time to decide on the best course of action. In some cases, the best thing to do might be … nothing.
Sometimes, nature just needs a little time to make adjustments. If the plant is stressed by weather or a temporary problem, giving it a few days or weeks might be all it needs to bounce back.
If the problem is more serious or ongoing, though, you’ll need to take action.
If the plant is simply stressed by weather, pests, or minor issues, sometimes the best choice is to let it recover on its own. Overdoing it with treatments or drastic measures might make the problem worse.
Change the Plant’s Environment
Everything in the garden is connected: growing conditions, weather, and pests are constantly interacting. If a plant is always struggling due to its location, consider moving it to a better spot. Plants that attract pests or struggle in certain conditions may benefit from a change.
Consider replacing problem plants with more resilient varieties that are better suited to your local microclimate. These plants often require less care and are less likely to attract pests or get sick.
The more diverse your garden (think mix-’n-match), the more resilient it becomes. Different plants, insects, and wildlife work together to create a balanced ecosystem that keeps your garden healthy and reduces the risk of problems.
If the issue is related to water or soil, sometimes small adjustments can make a huge difference. Improving drainage, aerating the soil, or adding compost can alleviate many common plant problems.
Sometimes, treatment is necessary to fix a problem. If so, choose the safest and most effective method. Start with gentle approaches like removing pests by hand, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or blasting it with water.
Always be careful about how treatments affect the broader environment, including beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife.
You now have a simple method to tackle garden issues. By approaching each situation calmly and with a childlike curiosity, you’ll avoid unnecessary actions, hasty treatments, and most importantly, frustration.
It’s by quiet observation that you take the right steps at the right time. Sometimes, stepping back to see the bigger picture is just as important as the details. Close inspection can reveal important details, but stepping back helps put everything into perspective.
Here’s the link to my channel, the UpBeet Gardener: youtube.com/@TheUpBeetGardener
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