Overview

Abnormalities in your plant's growth are typically caused by diseases, disorders, weeds or insects. Disorders are abnormalities usually caused by environmental factors such as nutrient availability or temperature. Examples include chlorosis or frost cracking. Diseases are abnormalities caused by microorganisms or other pathogens invading your plant. Examples include black knot or grey mould (botrytis). You will find insects and weeds on their own pages since they're relatively easy to tell apart. As many non-professionals will not know whether their problem is a disease or a disorder, we've placed all of these types of issues on the same page.

It isn't always the disease or disorder that is the ultimate "problem" with your plant. Usually it's a symptom of an envirnomental stress such as inconsistent water or insufficent sun or poor soil. It's important to identify your problem as well as what factors are creating your problem if you are going to solve it.

Please note that we also have online, on demand workshops to teach home gardeners about the plant diagnostic process as well as classes on diseases, disorders, insects and weeds.

All of our advice is pesticide free.

If you want to keep your growing issues lower, make sure the basic needs of the plant are met so your plant can defend itself from common problems. Most plants need the upper range of sun on their growing tag (ie. if it says full to partial sun, it probably is most healthy and resilient in full sun). In our climate, mulch is likely a good choice for most situations. Of course, while this is solid basic advice, it won't help prevent every problem you may encounter.

Disorders

Disorders are plant abnormalities that are usually caused by environmental factors such as nutrient availability or temperature. Common examples include chlorosis or frost cracking. Typically, disorders may make your plant look different than expected but unless they are severe, they are not usually overly harmful in and of themselves. Of course, they do sometimes open the door for pests and pathogens to attack the plant.

The tabs to the right organize common plant disorders by where you're most likely to find them. Click on the tabs to learn more!

Please note that we also have online, on demand workshops to teach home gardeners about the plant diagnostic process as well as classes on diseases, disorders, insects and weeds.

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Disease

Plant disease can be a big problem and prevention is always best. Choose healthy plants, place them with ample sunlight in healthy soil, mulch generously, and water appropriately.

The tabs to the right organize common plant disorders by where you're most likely to find them. Click on the tabs to learn more!

Please note that we also have online, on demand workshops to teach home gardeners about the plant diagnostic process as well as classes on diseases, disorders, insects and weeds.

Loading...

While heirloom plants may offer more variety in colour and flavour, they tend to be more susceptible to disease so consider planting disease resistant cultivars as well.

Loading...

While heirloom plants may offer more variety in colour and flavour, they tend to be more susceptible to disease so consider planting disease resistant cultivars as well.

Loading...

While heirloom plants may offer more variety in colour and flavour, they tend to be more susceptible to disease so consider planting disease resistant cultivars as well.

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Other useful websites

Need more help? The tabs in this section sort our recommendations for reliable websites. These are all outside of the University of Saskatchewan, but are from reputable organizations.

Kansas State University Turfgrass Problem Solver - not all issues listed are relevant here but the majority are

Need more help?

Current issues and solutions on Facebook

Our Gardening at the U of S Facebook page post multiple times a week on topics that are important, right now, to your garden. If you are having an issue with an insect, disease, or plant odds are good other people are too. In addition to timely information, we also keep you up to date on new research, coming events, upcoming courses, and hort job opportunities. Check us out to see if we have something posted to help you!