If you notice holes, spots or curled up leaves...and you can rule out causes such as excessive wind or heat, compacted or soggy soil...you probably have an insect problem.

Once the insect is identified, the proper pesticide should be applied to the affected plants. Spray at the first sign of insect damage and repeat within 7 to 10 days if the infestation continues or if it rains frequently.

Insecticides that you can purchase at the hardware store or garden center are safe and effective when used and properly applied exactly according to their directions. There are several different insecticides available. Which you should use depends on the type of insect that's causing the damage and the type of plant or place it will be applied.

Plant Diseases

Black or orange spots or bulbous growths seen on leaves are signs of plant disease. Leaves, buds or flowers which are dull in color are also suspect.

Prevention is the key to the control of plant diseases because many types cannot be stopped once the disease has taken hold.

Keep your lawn and garden clean. Eliminate refuse such as dead grass and leaves and eliminate weeds. Cleaning up in the Fall after leaves drop and in the Spring before leaves bud is very important since fungi can over-winter in such debris. (Do not use suspect leaves for composting, or mulch them with a mower, since that can spread fungus spores.)

Consult with your garden center or extension specialist and follow their advice for planting disease resistant varieties and certified disease-free seeds.

Plant crops and varieties that are suitable for your soil and climate conditions.

Always use well-drained soil. If your soil is compacted or of heavy clay composition, add sand or peat moss as necessary.

Once plant disease starts, you will not be able to save affected plants. But you can stop its spread with a regular fungicide spray program. Spray susceptible plants, including indoor plants, before evidence of damage, particularly if you experienced a problem the year before.

Repeat the treatment every week or 10 days. More frequent applications may be necessary during hot, moist weather when plant diseases tend to be most severe.

Consult where you buy your spray materials or with your county agent or university extension specialist for the correct fungicide to use.

Weeds

Weeds are more than just unsightly. They can harbor insects and plant disease organisms and, if unchecked, they can injure your flowers, vegetables or lawn by chocking out the desired plants.

Proper fertilization and pest management go a long way to prevent weeds, though even the healthiest and best cared-for lawns and gardens can have a problem.

There are two types of chemical weed control. Pre-emergent and post-emergent. Products are available for spreading that can prevent certain weed seeds from germinating. Once weeds are growing, they can be controlled by a post-emergent spray. (Seeds will not germinate until the soil temperature reaches about 55 degrees, so it's important to apply pre-emergent materials early in the spring...before the ground reaches "sprouting temperature."

Identification of a weed, like all garden problems, is vital for proper treatment. Once identified, the proper herbicide should be applied. Examine your yard and garden frequently for signs of weed growth. Once weeds are controlled, it is usually a simple matter to prevent further spread with occasional spot spraying. This takes only a few minutes a week, and will free-up time for more productive gardening pursuits.

Note: There are many types of herbicides. Some kill all weeds and vegetation; others are selective in what they kill. With some you may replant right away; with others, you have to wait a few days. Again, the place where you buy your spray materials should be able to advise you if you have any questions.