Flower garden in the spring. Problems and solutions for plants health

Spring is the time when the flower garden wakes up after the winter dormancy and prepares for a new season of flowering. But along with warmth and sunshine come various problems that can prevent plants from growing and developing. What problems can arise in the garden bed in spring and how to solve them?.

In this article we will look at the most common problems that trouble gardeners and share practical tips on how to avoid or solve them.

Problem 1: Frozen or  waterlogged: plants

Winter can be harsh on the flower garden, especially if it has been snowy, freezing or rainy. Some plants can be affected by freezing or wetting, causing them to rot, dry out or die. How do I spot and save frozen or wet plants?.

Frozen plants can be detected by the following signs: they have black, brown or grey spots on leaves, stems or roots; they have soft, flabby or brittle parts; they do not produce sap when a light cut is made on the stem surface. In order to save frozen plants, the following steps should be taken: cut off all damaged parts, reaching the healthy surface of the tree; cover the plants with warm material such as agro fibre, straw, needles or leaves; water the plants with warm water; feed the plants with complex mineral fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.

It is worth remembering that the use of mineral fertilisers should be moderate and controlled. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers can damage not only individual plants, but also the environment and biodiversity as a whole ecosystem, where all elements are interconnected and very important for further sustainable development.

The following signs can be noticed in plants that are waterlogged: yellow, white or transparent spots on leaves, stems or roots; soft, rotten or slippery parts; they emit an unpleasant odour. To save waterlogged plants, the following steps should be taken: cut back all damaged parts to healthy wood; loosen the soil around the plants to improve drainage; cover the plants with light material such as paper, cardboard, polythene or netting; water the plants with a weak solution of manganese or fungicide; feed the plants with a complex mineral fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.

Problem 2: Pests and diseases

Spring is a time when not only plants wake up, but also pests and diseases. Some of these can be very dangerous and can lead to serious damage or death. Let’s look at what pests and diseases can appear in your flower garden in spring and how to deal with them.

The most common signs of pest activity are: they leave traces of their presence on plants, such as holes, gaps, egg laying, cocoons, spider webs, mucus, tar, wax, honeydew, excrement; they reduce the vitality of plants, inhibit their growth, flowering, fruiting; they carry diseases and viruses.

For successful pest control, it is necessary to perform the following actions: identify and determine the type of pest; remove or destroy all infected parts of plants; treat plants with special preparations. In order  to prevent the appearance of pests, observing the rules of crop rotation, sanitation, quarantine, biological control.

Diseases can be identified by these signs: changes in the appearance of plants, namely: colour, shape, size, texture of leaves, stems, flowers, fruits.

Problem 3: Correct pruning of plants

Another very important step in preparing a flower garden for spring is pruning plants. Pruning helps to form a beautiful and healthy crown, stimulates flowering and fruiting, prevents diseases and pests. Pruning should be done with sharp and clean tools, making straight and smooth cuts. Depending on the type and kind of plant, pruning has certain peculiarities. Let’s pay attention to the general principles of pruning plants.

 Perennials that bloom in summer or autumn are cut back in spring when the first shoots appear. Plants such as irises, asters, peonies, phlox, lily-of-the-valley, velvets, calendula, etc. are cut back to a height of 5-10 cm from the ground, removing old and damaged leaves and stems.

Spring-blooming perennials are cut back after flowering, when the leaves start to turn yellow. Plants such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, snowdrops, sleep-grass, muscari, crocuses, etc. are cut back to a height of 10-15 cm from the ground, leaving some leaves to accumulate nutrients in the bulbs.

Shrubs and trees that flower in summer or autumn are cut back in spring, before shoot growth begins. Plants such as rose, jasmine, hydrangea, buddleia, spirea, barberry, etc. are cut back to a height of 20-30 cm from the ground, removing old, weak, diseased and frozen wood and shaping the crown.

Shrubs and trees that flower in spring are pruned after flowering, when young leaves begin to grow. Such plants as forsythia, magnolia, lilac, rose hips, dogwoods, kalina, lilacs, etc. are pruned at a height of 30-40 cm from the ground, removing old, weak, diseased and frozen wood, as well as shaping the crown.

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Hopefully, these tips were useful to you, because by following them you will be able to grow a wonderful spring garden, where your favourite flowers will always bloom, and care for them – give always minutes of joy, peace, comfort.

If you want to find an effective solution to any phytopathological or agro-technological problems, please call us by phone: +380632851405