When the end of summer arrives, some plants begin to give signals of failure. Intense heat, thermal changes and humidity can turn into real enemies for the most delicate species.
Many do not notice them until it is too late, but there are signs that is worth taking in time. If a plant begins to lose leaves, if the edges dry out or strange spots appear, perhaps there is something wrong. And in this period, the causes can be more insidious than you think. Those who have a terrace full of vases or a green corner in the garden would do well to take a careful look at their plants right now. Visual control can reveal much more than you think: small parasites, invisible molds at first sight or simply a thirst hidden under the still hot sun at the end of August.
There are those who rely on intuition and those who prefer to be on the safe side with some more precautions. Here’s how bad surprises can be avoided when the summer gives way to autumn.
Diseases of the most common plants at the end of the summer
At the end of the summer, the fungal diseases They are among the most frequent. The reason? Night humidity increases, while temperatures fall abruptly after still hot days. This mix creates fertile ground for theoidthe botrite and the rust. The Oidio, also called white pain, looks like a clear patina on the leaves. Botrite, on the other hand, is recognized for gray mold that affects above all flowers and fruits, while rust creates small orange or brown spots on the leaf surface. Another threat not to be underestimated are the aphidswho take advantage of the tiredness of the plants to settle en masse, especially in the buds. Also the ladybugs They can return to get alive, especially in more repaired environments.
In general, it is the period in which the plants are more vulnerable: they have already spent many energies to grow and flourish, and struggle to adapt to new climatic rhythms.
How to protect plants with small daily gestures
There are no complicated solutions or drastic interventions: it is often enough to observe and act constantly. First of all, it is useful Reduce watering: The days are shortened and the plants drink less. Too much water, at this stage, can cause stagnation and favor mushrooms. Sometimes we forget that plants also need to “rest” a little. It takes little to help them find their balance, even just by slightly changing the routine.
Here are some practical advice:
- Check each plant At least twice a week, looking well under the leaves.
- Eliminate immediately dry or damaged leaves, to prevent them from becoming a vehicle for infections.
- Arieraging the hair of too thick plants, cutting the internal branches.
- Use natural products Like the macerate of garlic or nettle to keep parasites away.
- Move the vases More delicate in more repaired areas, especially at night.
Another trick is to anticipate autumn fertilization a few days in advance, using balanced fertilizers. This helps plants to strengthen themselves before the season change.
Some plants to be supervised more carefully
Not all plants react in the same way. Some are more subject to problems at this stage of the year. Among the most delicate are the hydrangeawhich suffer the changes in temperature and stagnant humidity; the geraniumsoften attacked by mold and rot if left too wet; the begenie and the impatienswhich can rot quickly if not well ventilated; and finally the citrus in potsvery sensitive to the return of aphids.
But even aromatic plants are not free of risks. The basilfor example, tends to yellow and weakening if it is not pruned regularly. And the same goes for the Mentawhich can be colonized by insects looking for a refuge for autumn.
Those who love green know that September can be an insidious month, but with a little more care, the plants will continue to thrive even in the cooler months. Very little is enough to make the difference: one more look, less and less and some well -made cut.
So we face the passage of season without bad surprises.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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