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Clinton News-Record, 1985-4-17, Page 64dentt y mm,F problems edges on plant leaves. This condition could be caused by insufficient humidity, too much fertilizer, excessive pesticide use, soft water, excessive soil salts, or 'red spider' damage. Brown or yellow patches on the leaves are usually caused by sun scorch (too much light ) or excessive soil salts. General leaf drop usually results firm, root rot, overwatering, poor drainage ami low light. It can also occur it plants are left standing in water, or if plants are poorly conditioned. W hen leaves on the new stems are pale -colored and small, the plant needs more (Continued on Page 32 ) By John Hughes Extension Horticulturist Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Diagnosing houseplant problems can be frustrating for the hobby gardener. A sickly wilted appearance could be caused by lack of water, poor soil structure or a host of other conditions. Common plant problems can be divided according to the different components of the plant. Let's take a look at common problems that affect these plant parts and determine the probable causes. Tools ROOTS The problem is that the roots are protruding from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. The most probable cause is that the plant is root bound, and needs a larger pot. The roots of the plant appear brown, blackish, or dead. There are many possible causes - overwatering, poor soil structure, excessive fertilizer, and -or root rot disease STEM If your plant has spindly stems it is probably suffering from insufficient light or (Continued from Page 27 ) preparation, including such organic matteras compost, leaf mould, peat or manure; the proper amount of the light fertilizers in the correct amounts; and insuring soil drainage by deep digging or raised planting beds; is a good start towards successful gardening. Gadgets are appearing in the plant world too, and many are worth investigating. Hybrid forms of vegetables' and flowers are .replacing some of the old familiar eultivars. 'there are distinct advantages to many hybrids. The most obvious is vigor. Hybrids usually grow faster, stronger and produce more or bigger flowers than the regular cultivars. Hybrid vegetables often grow more vigor- ously and produce earlier or larger returns than cultivars commonly- grown. Check the gadget vegetable seeds recommended for home. gardens. Often these produce over a longer period of time than commercial varieties. .A healthy garden rarely suffers from n disease or insect pests, but occasionally chemical control measures are needed. ,Choose a gadget that applies pesticides uniformly and safely. Choose your pesticide carefully. Many pesticide combinations are available but why use a chemical to control a fungus disease when an insect is the culprit, or why kill beneficial insects when you are trying to control a fungus disease? Select suitable pesticides - malathion, diazinon, and sevin to control insect pests; captan and benlate to prevent most plant fungus diseases. W hen necessary, the two products (insecticide and fungicide) can be combined to control both insect pests and diseases. Many useful garden gadgets have been introduced in the past. No doubt. more will appear and be touted as the answer to better gardening, Successful gardeners don't rely on gadgets. Gadgets may help, but they can't make up for common sense and garden know how. Rebuilding-? Remodelling? Repairing? Look to the people helping people .tt '5 I_i overcrowding. Stems that become dark and soft are usually a result of overwatering, excessive light, or sandy soil. LEA YES Yellowing leaves is a problem that affects many houseplants. This condition is usually caused by lack of light, root rot, lack of fertilizer, or 'red spider' damage. W hen only the lower leaves yellow, the problem is most likely too much water o,r lack of light. However, when the lower leaves yellow and suddenly fall oft, the cause is usually a rapid change in temperature, light or humidity. There are a number of causes for brown When John Deere builds an economy rider, only the price is stripped down. 5 -speed shift -on -the - go gear transmission for smooth operation and durability Optional 61/2 bushel bagging system for efficient rotlecuon of grass and leaves Sector and-piruon steenng for easy tum• ing and positive control Tight 2' inch fuming radius Bann on•axle brae*, lot quidreliable stops and secure parking WE HAVE THE LOAN FORYOU! All Credit Union Loans Feature: LOWER INTEREST RATES Shop and Compare! 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