Every gardener will come across some form of pest or disease in their garden with some problems more common than others. One of the most frequently asked questions at our garden centres is "How do I get rid of a particular pest or disease?"

The hardest part is identifying what the pest or disease is that's attacking your plants. Once this is established, all you need to do is pick up the right product, and your plants can be put on the road to recovery.

We've identified seven distinctive groups within pest & diseases. Below are descriptions of the types of pest and disease you're most likely to encounter in your garden, with some examples and recommended treatments.

Sucking Insects

Sucking insects obtain their nourishment by puncturing plant cells and sucking sap. Typical signs to look out for include tiny puncture holes, leaf curling and often sticky residue.

Examples include Aphids, Whitefly (pic right), Mites, Scales and Thrips.

Best treated with Provado Ultimate Bug Killer or Multirose 3 in 1.

Biting Insects

If you have irregular holes in leaves or along the edges of the leaves then you may have some biting insects living amongst your plants.

Examples include: Caterpillars, Sawfly Larvae, Adult Vine Weevil (pic right) and Lily Beetle.

Treat with Bug Clear Gun for Caterpillars and Sawfly. Vine Weevil Killer for Vine Weevil and Provado Ultimate Bug Killer for Lily Beetle.

Soil Insects

Generally these include Larvae or various beetles and moths that live in the soil and feed off the plant roots. Pest often go unnoticed until the plant collapses.

Examples include Vine Weevil Larvae (pic right), Leather-jackets or Cutworms.

Treated with Vine Weevil Killer. For Leatherjackets or Cutworms cover, pick off surface.

Scraping Insects

Large holes or partly eaten foliage can appear, often with slimy trails left on or around the plants.

Examples: Slugs and Snails

Best treated with Slug & Snail Killer Pellets, Slug Clear Advanced Pellets, traps, grit or slug tape.

Bacteria and Viruses

Unfortunately this is virtually incurable, but you can reduce the risk by controlling insects that spread the viruses. Look out for leaves developing variegated splashes or streaks. Feeding your plants will help to boost the plants immunity.

Fungi

Generally resulting from a wound or stress (usually drought or poor feeding). It can also be prominent in warm damp environments.

Examples: Mildew, Blackspot (pic right), Scab, Botrytis.

Best treated with Fungus Fighter or Multirose 3 in 1.

Deficiency

Plants that lack a particular nutrient element can show signs of deficiency.
Here's a few examples plus which plant food to use to help out.

Nitrogen - Stunted growth, pale leaves, thin shoots. Use Sulphate of Ammonia

Phosphorus - Poor Fruiting, stunted growth, dull leaves. Use Bonemeal
or Sulphate of Potash.

Potassium - Poor Fruiting and flowering. Use Tomorite, Rose food or Potash.

Calcium - Leaves curl upwards at edges. Use a general purpose feed.

Magnesium - Yellowing of older leaves between veins. Use Epsom Salts.

Iron - Yellowing of new leaves between veins. Sulphate of Iron.

Most deficiencies can be resolved with a specific or balanced plant food.
We would recommend Miracle-Gro, Phostrogen, Fish Blood & Bone, and
Growmore.