The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Slugs and snails: Use physical barriers like copper tape, hand-pick at night, or apply iron phosphate pellets.

Bacterial soft rot: Remove and destroy affected plants; ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.

Iris leaf spot: Remove and dispose of infected foliage in autumn to reduce spore carryover.

Iris rust: Improve air circulation and remove heavily infected leaves; avoid wetting foliage when watering.

Thrips: Monitor closely during flowering; use blue sticky traps or insecticidal soap if infestations are severe.