Common garden pests and how to identify them
Every gardener is bound to encounter their fair share of pests and plant diseases. Being able to identify these will ensure that you are able to target the issue effectively. This handy guide aims to help you recognise the signs of some common garden pests and plant diseases and natural solutions you can try to tackle them.
Aphids (Greenfly or blackfly)
About: Small sap-sucking pests that are commonly green, black or white. Tend to feed in large groups on the underside of leaves or stems.
Signs: Yellowing, curling, or stunted leaves that may be coated in a sticky substance (honeydew).
Natural Solutions: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies or try homemade garden sprays made from garlic and vinegar.
Slugs & Snails
About: Two of the most common garden pests that you will encounter, they usually feed at night during warm humid periods.
Signs: Slime trails left behind and circular holes left in stems, leaves and the flowers of plants.
Natural Solutions: Use citrus peels or crushed eggshells around your plants or encourage natural predators into your garden like birds or frogs.
Caterpillars
About: Caterpillars are larvae that are waiting to turn into moths and butterflies, and they have big appetites.
Signs: Large, ragged holes through leaves or along the edges of the leaf; some will damage roots, shoots and flowers while others tunnel into fruit or veg.
Natural Solution: Plant strong scented plants such as lavender, sage, peppermint and mugwort to help deter caterpillars.
Black spot
About: Black spot fungus primarily affects roses, but this disease can attack any plant with fleshy leaves and stems.
Signs: It begins with small black or purple spots can eventually cause the entire leaf will turn yellow and die.
Natural Solutions: Remove any effected plant materials to prevent further infection and adjust your watering routine so that your plants aren’t overly moist.
Powdery mildew
About: Fungus disease on plants which affect leaves, stems and occasionally flowers and fruit. This disease is quite easy to spot as the signs are very unique.
Signs: White, powdery patches of fungus on the upper or lower surface of the leaves, flowers or fruit, which can eventually cover the whole plant.
Natural Solutions: Remove any affected plant material to reduce the chance of further infection or use a garlic spray. To prevent it from developing, plant in well drained soils, allowing plenty of sunlight and air circulation around the plant.
Red Thread
About: A fungal disease that affects lawns, usually occurring in late Summer and early Autumn when the weather is wet. One of the most common causes of dead patches on turf.
Signs: Patches of affected grass have a reddish tint which later become light brown or almost bleached.
Natural Solution: Apply nitrogen to the affected areas of lawn. To prevent this disease from appearing, ensure that the turf has sufficient drainage and aeration. Using a lawn rake will help remove moss and thatch and increase aeration.
Top Tips:
Always remove and dispose of affected leaves, fruits, and flowers to prevent further infection spreading to other plants
Pests can be tricky to see, especially if damage is occurring at night, so take a look at external signs to help identify which pests could be the cause of any issues. This which help you make more informed decisions around a suitable solution
Monitor how your plants, veg, or flowers respond to watering or treatments. By doing this you’ll be able to tailor your routine appropriately to what works best for your plants and prevent diseases
If you are unsure of the type of disease or pest affecting your garden, the Royal Horticulturist Society’s website provides guidance on natural solutions to combat a variety of issues which don’t impact on water, wildlife or people
