The recent weather pattern in our Ohio weather this July has created some challenging concerns for gardeners. Whether you’re a flower or vegetable gardener (or both), you may have already noticed these troublesome signs.
There have been a lot of questions from concerned gardeners asking, “why is my plant acting this way?” The signs of an overwatered plant are generally the same. For example, gradual defoliation (where the lower leaves on the plant yellow and fall), rapid defoliation, wilting or drooping, spotted foliage, stunted plants, and fuzzy, gray mold around the flowers, leaves, or stem of the plant, are all signs of potential overwatering.
What to do? What to do? There are things that can be done to help the soggy plants.
The first thing is to determine the problem. Yellow leafing on the bottom – too much and not enough water can cause that. The plant may actually just look dead, because too much rain can actually start to kill the root system and you can lose the plant.
Before that happens, there are a few things to try. Prune the plant back and let it re-kick. This will allow it to rebuild itself with a firmer foundation. You may also try feeding the plant to stimulate new growth. A water-soluble fertilizer will allow the plant quicker recovery and utilization of energy from the fertilizer.
Each plant has its own unique character and need requirements so careful examination should be used in determining its problem.
The best way to make sure that you are properly watering your garden is to use simple common sense. First, examine the soil in your garden to see if it is too dry and crumbly or, in contrast, too muddy. Checking the soil will help you avoid both overwatering and under watering. Second, water slowly. Watering too quickly causes water runoff. Third, water deeply so that more than just the top layer of soil gets watered. Finally, water in the morning. Watering in the heat of the day can cause too much evaporation and watering late at night in humid climates can cause disease and fungal growth. Also, with fungal issues it’s important to be proactive as it’s easier to gain control of this disease if you can catch it quickly.
For most people, as long as they are aware of the consequences of both under watering and overwatering their garden, the problem is one that is easily avoided.
-Provided by Oakland Delaware
