Transported by wind, rain, birds, insects, affected tools and new plants, infectious agents in the form of fungi, bacteria and viruses are everywhere and can be difficult to control once established so prevention is key! Providing an environment with optimal conditions for strong, healthy plant growth is the very best strategy for maintaining a healthy garden. Appropriate pruning can allow air and light to flow into the plant’s interior where diseases often set up camp.

There are a number of factors that contribute to an environment favorable to disease: insufficient sunlight, poor air circulation, and too much or too little water. If a particular plant is not doing well, try transplanting it to a new location, but if this doesn’t work, why not try a different plant?