annuals-controlling common flower problems-

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Annuals - controlling common flower problems

With so many different annuals on the market, their ability to resist common plant diseases and insect infestations can vary quite a bit. While some types of annuals are virtually impervious to disease and insects, others require much more care to remain problem free. When choosing varieties of annuals, it is always best to choose disease and insect resistant varieties whenever you can. Doing so will allow you to use less pesticides, and you will have less problems in the long run as well.

Disease or insect infestation -

When working with annuals in the garden, it is important to be on the lookout for signs of insect problems every time you work in the garden. For instance, as you are pulling weeds, look at the plants. Are the stems intact, or are they showing signs of cracks or other damage? Is the foliage leafy, green and free of holes and spots?

The best way to control any outbreak, be it insects or disease, is to control it early before it has the opportunity to spread. The most common insects that trouble annuals include spider mites, aphids, caterpillars and white flies.

There are a number of products on the market to treat problems with insects and disease. Of course, no treatment regimen can be effective until the problem is identified, so if you are unsure what is causing the problem be sure to consult with a more experienced gardener. In addition, it is important to always follow the package instructions of any insect or disease control product you use, to dispose of unused products properly, and to wear protection gear like gloves and masks when applying the product.

Watering annuals -

It is also a good idea to choose annuals that are best suited for your climate. Some varieties of annuals are very drought resistant, while others require lots of moisture to look their best. Knowing the requirements of each variety, and tailoring the plants you buy to local conditions, is the best way to grow a successful garden. The staff at your local nursery or garden center can help you choose the hardiest varieties of annuals for your garden.

When watering annuals, it is best to avoid overhead watering if you can. That is because splashing a lot of water on the foliage of plants can encourage a variety of diseases. Most plant diseases love moisture, and standing water on plants is a great way for existing diseases to spread throughout the garden, or for a new infection to take hold.

A combination of drip irrigation and soaker hoses is usually the best choice for watering the garden. These methods allow for greater control over the amount of water each plant receives, and they generally allow for deeper, more thorough, watering as well. No matter which method you use, however, it is generally best to water in the morning, since this allows the plants to dry before the hottest part of the day.