We have a problem with our garden, in that all of our plants are in some way diseased - having some kind of rust, mould or rot.

This applies to annuals and perennials of all sizes, as well as vegetables, shrubs and trees. We have a large cherry tree which looks particularly poorly. Nothing grows well, and the plants which do flower, do so very briefly before dying back.

The soil seems OK - well drained in some areas, less so in others. We don't use chemicals or pesticides (although a local farmer does in nearby fields). We want to know if it is a soil problem, over/under watering, or some other issue.

We have some knowledge, but are by no means experts. Any advice would be gratefully received. Some pics are attached.

Many thanks
Robin

Hello Robin,

" We want to know if it is a soil problem, over/under watering, or some other issue. "

That last picture has two kinds of foliage diseases. Such diseases could be encouraged by wetting the foliage. But rain wets the foliage. How long have you lived in this location? Do your neighbors have similar problems, or is this unique to your place?

" We don't use chemicals or pesticides (although a local farmer does in nearby fields). "

Does that mean you are organic gardeners and the farmer isn't? Have you had your soil tested? What does your soil look like?

ZM (not an organic gardener)

The first thing we need to know is where you live. So much about gardening is specific to location. Seeing all the holes and chewed leaves it is evident that you have some garden pests. Without knowing what the plants are it is impossible to say what they could be. If you wish to use insecticides it is very important to correctly ID the pest and get the specific insecticide for that pest. Most fungal diseases are weather triggered. You can spray for them but it's best to do that before you have symptoms to prevent it. Doing it once you have it will only protect future foliage. What is already infected will continue to die off. But, once weather conditions change most fungal infections will disappear on their own.

Thanks for the comments. A bit more information which might help...

We are in the north of the UK. We have lived here for 8 years, and it feels like the problems have got progressively worse. Weather doesn't seem to make a difference. The problems are there in the height of summer, and winter too.

The diseases/infections are year-round, and seem to infect everything. The garden is large, with plants and trees of all types, but there isn't anything which looks healthy. Neighbours don't appear to have the same problems.

The soil looks OK, and there are always plenty of worms around. We haven't had the soil tested. We aren't organic gardeners, but prefer not to use insecticides if possible. Although that said, if it will help, then we are happy too.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Thanks for the comments. A bit more information which might help...

We are in the north of the UK. We have lived here for 8 years, and it feels like the problems have got progressively worse. Weather doesn't seem to make a difference. The problems are there in the height of summer, and winter too.

The diseases/infections are year-round, and seem to infect everything. The garden is large, with plants and trees of all types, but there isn't anything which looks healthy. Neighbours don't appear to have the same problems.

The soil looks OK, and there are always plenty of worms around. We haven't had the soil tested. We aren't organic gardeners, but prefer not to use insecticides if possible. Although that said, if it will help, then we are happy too.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

I wish I could give you some advice but I really don't know anything about gardening conditions in the UK. Have you talked with the neighbors? Maybe they can give you some help. Also see if there are any local gardening clubs who may be able to give you advice specific for your area.

This is just a random shot...

We have a water softener - it removes much of the calcium and magnesium from the water. It also adds some salt. It probably isn't a huge amount of salt, but if I watered with it, I guess that it would gradually elevate the salt levels in the soil.

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