Using Garden Chemicals
The best ways to correctly and safely use chemicals in New Zealand Gardens.
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Search for a solution by browsing through the Problem categories below. You'll find easily identifiable images of common pests, weeds, diseases or damage, to give you a positive ID.
Once you've made a diagnosis, we'll introduce you to the best solution.
Not all plant problems are caused by insects or diseases. Lots of plant problems share similar-looking symptoms, so it's worth eliminating the other possibilities, before you settle on the cause. For example, sometimes the underlying reason for discoloured or stunted foliage is a nutrient deficiency...or even too much of a particular nutrient.
Here's a list of possibilities to consider, before you jump to a solution that might kill your plants with kindness!
- First, search for evidence of insect pests, or disease. If you've seen the culprit, you can be confident in your diagnosis.
- Foliage discoloration and stunted plants can be caused by waterlogged soil, from poor drainage, or heavy soil that's too compacted for healthy root growth.
- Extremely cold (or hot) temperatures will slow down plant growth. Bad weather can have a drastic effect on flowering, that holds back 'fruit set' and reduces the harvest.
- Too much fertiliser can injure plants. Too much of a good thing can cause 'fertiliser burn', which shows up as dehydrated, wilted or crispy plants.
- Like humans, plants require a mix of nutrients to remain healthy. The important nutrients plants need in large amounts are called macronutrients. Plants extract macronutrients from soil. When macronutrients are depleted, gardeners need to top up their soil with fertiliser.
- The 'big three' macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K). In plant nutrition, NPK plays a roughly similar role to carbs, protein and fat for humans, so it pays to be generous with plant food. Most fertilisers contain a well-balanced ratio of these nutrients, so if you stick to the label instructions your plants will be happy.
- Nutrients that plants only need in tiny trace amounts are called micronutrients. For plants, these play a similar role to vitamins for humans. It's common for sad-looking plants to be suffering from a micronutrient deficiency, so sometimes applying a plant tonic can make worrying symptoms go away.
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