Cultural Practices for Plant Health Care

Keep the plants in your yard healthy by following certain healthy practices - like using less pesticide, providing proper nutrients, etc. Cultural practices such as planting site and cultivar selection, creating habitats for beneficial insects, weeding, watering and nutrient management can help keep the plants free from diseases. Let's discuss some more common cultural management practices for better plant health.

Planting Site and Cultivar Selection

First and foremost, you need a good planting site to keep your plants healthy. It is like a good home for them, a habitat suitable for their growth. For instance, a drought-resistant plant grows well on higher grounds. It is always advisable to opt for pest or disease-resistant plant varieties and native plants that are well adapted to the local environment.

Watering

Water your garden properly to limit diseases that are caused by pathogens in the soil. Choose watering methods that help reduce extra moisture in the soil and foliage. Irrigation sytems and drip irrigation can accomplish this. If you water by hand, keep the leaves out of the way of water. Very wet soil promotes root-rotting fungi and can also suffocate roots.

Beneficial Insects

Cultural management programs are effective when targeted to the life cycle of beneficial insects. The first step in attracting these insects is providing a habitat for them. These wild insects pollinate, prey upon crop pests, recycle excess nutrients, aerate and improve soil quality - all aiding in plant growth. The habitat could be provided by planting a diverse mix of herbaceous plants in the site.

Nutrient Management

A balanced supply of nutrients in the soil results in healthy plants which have a greater chance of withstanding attack by pathogens. Too much of any fertilizer can burn roots and make them susceptible to virus, fungus and aphids. On the other hand, plants starved of nutrients are smaller and can be affected by the pathogens. Regular weeding is also essential to stop these unwanted plants from eating away the nutrients meant for your plant.

Enough Space

Leave enough space as crowded plants create humidity and mildew can thrive. This cultural management method allows airflow around your plants to dry foliage quickly. Plants placed too closely also grow poorly as they compete for light, water and nutrients. To lessen the likelihood of disease, trimming of trees and shrubs should be carried out at regular intervals. Burkholder is known for its high quality landscaping work, plant health care services, and more. Some of the cultural management services that they offer include root collar excavation, pruning, plant/tree supports, girdling root removal and more. Contact them today to request a free consultation.