How can I prevent Root rot in my vegetable garden?
Root rot often from overwatering is a common problem in gardening and horticulture, but there are ways to manage and prevent it. Here’s what you can do to stop this and make your plants healthy:
-
Stop Watering Immediately: Pause watering to let the soil dry out. This reduces the risk of fungal growth, which is the main cause of root rot.
-
Improve Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes. Consider adding perlite, vermiculite, or sand to improve soil drainage. Also mix in organic matter like compost or mulch to aerate the soil and improve water retention balance.
-
Trimming of affected Roots: Carefully remove the plant roots that are affected from its pot or garden bed. Cut away mushy, brown, or black roots, leaving only healthy white roots. Sterilize scissors between cuts to prevent spreading any pathogens.
-
Use Fungicides: Apply an organic fungicide to the soil or affected roots to help stop further fungal infection.
-
Repot or Transplant: If the soil remains soggy, consider repotting with fresh, well-draining soil. For garden plants, transplant to a drier location if possible.
-
Adjusting Watering Routine: water only when top surface of the soil feels dry.