The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Soft rot: Ensure excellent drainage in sandy soil and avoid overwatering; remove infected bulbs immediately.

Slugs and snails: Use slug pellets, beer traps, or hand-pick at night to protect emerging shoots.

Vine weevil: Apply nematode treatments in autumn or use systemic insecticides for potted plants.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and apply a fungicide if severe; avoid wetting foliage when watering.

Iris leaf spot: Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation; apply fungicide if infection persists.