Problems With Pests

Fungal Problems

• There are many types of fungal diseases that can cause problems in gardens. Powdery mildew infects plants such as lilac, roses and beans. While it may not kill, it definitely weakens the plants. Good air circulation can help prevent this fungus from taking hold. Anthracnose is another fungal disease that attacks garden plants, causing lesions on stems and flowers. The disease can spread quickly, particularly in wet areas. Good garden hygiene and a copper-based fungicide can help to control the problem.

Animal Pests

• Rabbits, deer, skunks and raccoons are among the many animal pests that prowl the garden during the day and night. Rabbits and deer can decimate plants by stripping off the bark during lean winters while raccoons may feast on your tomatoes and dig holes looking for grubs. Skunks may join the hole digging if your lawn contains grubs. Strangely, skunks dislike strong odors so spreading a strong deodorizer around may help to deter them. Dog hair or a dog may help to solve the other animal pest problems.

Creepy Crawlies

• Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that particularly enjoy roses but are quite happy to munch on any plant. Dislodge them with a blast of water or spray them with insecticidal soap. Cole crops such as cabbage, carrots and cauliflower are a magnet for cabbage root maggots. They stunt growth and cause foliage to wilt. Catch the adult flies in sticky traps to prevent them from laying eggs. Cutworms are another common garden pest. They are the larvae of certain types of moths. Cutworms emerge at night usually during spring and chew plants at their base. Cardboard plant collars may help to deter cutworms.

Weeds

• Crabgrass, quack grass, dandelions and chickweed rank high on the list of garden weed problems. The Farmer's Almanac ranks crabgrass as No. 1 on America's list of lawn complaints. This annual grows quickly during the summer. By contrast, quackgrass is a perennial that spreads by underground rhizomes. Dandelion flowers may look pretty but this pesky weed can disperse its seeds very rapidly with just one puff of light wind and its taproot makes it difficult to uproot. The best defence against these lawn weeds is to ensure that your grass is healthy, thick and well-fed.