eGarden © 2006 Ed Mues

From The Garden of Ed. Submitted for publication in The Towne Crier on July 12, 2006

Questions to Ask When Diagnosing Flora's Problems.

No, Flora is not the recalcitrant stepdaughter. Flora is the word I use to refer to the plant life in your world. These are the counterparts to Fauna, the mobile wildlife in your surroundings. The Flora I plan for will be in your familiar surroundings: Lawns, trees and shrubs, annual and perennial flowers and small fruits, vegetables, and houseplants.

It is by an introduction that follows, that I frame the following work so we are all on the same page, so to speak. I'll do this in installments and I hope you find it instructive and helpful, too.

Introduction: The most fundamental part of diagnosing any kind of problem related to plants is the proper identification of the plant being examined. A common name is not really enough. It's a big help, but an exact botanical name in Latin is really important because there are huge variations among species and varieties of plants. Knowing the scientific name and the cultivated variety (cultivar) can be a major assist in determining health issues, because some plants are known to be susceptible and others resistant to all manner of problems and pests.

The next thing of importance to be clear on, before examining the plant, is the environment. The soil pH (alkalinity or acidity), the soil texture (sandy, silty, clayey, or humusy), and soil drainage are all important environmental factors to look at. Soil can become compacted from heavy loads where natural air spaces between the soil particles are reduced or nearly eliminated. This condition impedes the roots' moisture absorption and oxygen exchange.

The weather profile is mostly historical information. Extreme temperature fluctuations are important to know about. So, too, are precipitation statistics. Drought, flood, snow, ice, and high winds can all be factors, as can dead areas where not a whisper of air can drain through a planted area to facilitate drying of foliage after a rainstorm.

Engage all the senses when thinking this way including your x-ray vision and past life regression. Taking my tongue from my cheek for a minute, what I mean by this is that part of the environmental investigation should include gathering any knowledge about what remains hidden: what was previously planted in the present site, and what lies beneath the plant (pipes, buried construction debris, an old chicken coop, toxic waste, etc.), these can have major importance.

Of course, sun and shade at all seasons are important, too. And, let us not forget that surroundings in close and more distant proximity might be factors to consider as secondary influences. Examples might be surrounding buildings, roads, or other plant material requiring specific inputs of nutrients, lime, fertilizer, or herbicides (weed killers). Even walkways that might receive deicing salts in winter, if nearby, might play a role. What about black walnut or butternut trees, the roots of which produce a plant growth inhibitor? This knowledge is important, too. You get the idea, I'm sure. So, when gathering information leave no virtual stone unturned.

Injury to plants can only come from two sources when classified in a certain way: Living causes and non-living causes. Alive factors include bacteria, fungi, insects, birds and deer (among many others); nonliving causes might be mechanical equipment, environment such as wind or ice, or chemical such as herbicide spray drift or excess fertilizer. Included in this category might be injuries or problems caused by the caregiver's inattention or mistakes.

I have an uneasy habit of biting off much more than can be chewed in a single setting, and I love to satiate myself. I can already hear my alter-ego saying "...and what about nuts and bulbs and herbs and alpine gardens and?" I will do my earnest best to be as inclusive without delving into scientific treatises that I might barely understand. Wherever a higher power should be sought, I'll be the first to suggest a consultation.

We both know there are more vegetables and varieties than either of us can count. I will view all of flora's family with a concerned eye. Bear with me, and don't hesitate to e-mail me. If I can help, I am happy to do so. And, as a plug to my alma mater, Cornell Cooperative Extension and its team of Master Gardener Volunteers, they do this kind of work every day during the growing season, with a smile and nominal fee. Support them when you can. They are a valuable resource.

Because it is July, I will start my next column with vegetable questions to ask, and together we'll try to discover what's going on in the veggie patch. Stay tuned.

From The Garden of Ed. Submitted for publication in The Towne Crier on July 12, 2006

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