beginner’s corner
CRACKS AND ABNORMAL TISSUE
Other symptoms include cracks and abnormal tissue. Unfortunately,
these symptoms can reflect minor or major plant diseases. The differ-
ence resides in the treatment. Usual treatment plans simply need a
gardener to reassess the gardening variables and adjust any outliers,
but some include eradicating the disease from garden.
While cracks in the stem may result from a cold environment or
cankers, abnormal tissue is specific to cankers. Abnormal tissue on a
plant resembles bumps of dead tissue or unusual growth on the plant.
Cankers can ruin the plant and spread throughout the garden, so the
only resolution is removal. Removing a plant is unfortunate, but neces-
sary if the disease is contagious. It is better to be safe and remove the
affected plant before it can do more damage to the entire garden.
Cracks can appear in the stem of fruits and flowers, and they may
reflect cankers or a cold environment. New gardeners will find their
most invaluable tool is critical thinking in the case of cracks. If cracks
occur during lower temperatures, it is most likely due to the cold
environment. If that is the case, place a light sheet or tarp over the
garden as insulation. If the environment is unchanged, however, then
it may be due to something more serious such as cankers and you may
have to remove the affected plant(s).
“
WILTING IS A symptom of multiple plant diseases,
but can be treated by assessing its environment.”
BROWN SPOTS AND POWDERY GROWTH
Brown spots and powdery growth are additional common garden symp-
toms to be wary of. Although brown spots aren’t a symptom of a conta-
gious disease, powdery growth will most likely spread throughout the
garden. Both should be treated by removing the affected plant or fruit
from the garden. As previously stated, it’s better to be safe and protect
the entire garden instead of saving a potentially contagious plant.
Brown spots are indicative of blossom rot, a disorder that affects the
fruit directly. It may be caused by inconsistent watering or a calcium
deficiency, emphasizing the importance of watering. If new garden-
ers want to enjoy the fruits of their labor, consistent watering is of high
importance. Garden watering systems set with timers aides in stable,
even watering across your garden.
Powdery growth is almost always a symptom of mildew. Unfortunately,
one of mildew’s signature moves is spreading, which means it needs
to be removed immediately. Mildew is a result of the garden being
overly moist; usually caused by poor air circulation. If a gardener finds
powdery growth on any part of the plant (mostly found on the leaves),
remove the affected leaves or the entire plant to increase air circulation
to prevent further mildew.
NEW GARDENER TIP: BE ACTIVE IN YOUR GARDEN
You don’t have to spend all day in your garden and you don’t need to
watch it from your kitchen with binoculars. Being active in your garden
simply means checking on it daily. Watering once in the morning and
once later in the day (if soil is too dry) along with minor tasks like
weeding will keep your garden healthy. It is the neglected gardens that
suffer illness, which requires more work and may ruin the gardening
experience. Check on your garden, get to know it, and watch for any
irregular colors or growths. If they appear, then analyze your watering
pattern, sheltering, air circulation, and weeding. Happy gardening!
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grow cycle