Basil Spots

With my mindset lately, when I saw the subject line on Chris's (a loyal listener of In Your Backyard heard on My790am.com) email, I thought to myself, "Oh no, Chris has melanoma..."  Thankfully, Chris does not but his basil isn't feeling well lately.

Here's his question: 

I planed sweet basil (from __________ )  about 3 weeks ago.  Looks like I am doing good, but I noticed some brown spots.  The soil was amended some with compost and ______________ soil for vegetables and flowers. The plant did stress/droop within the first week of initial planting, bounced back up after watering but is doing good now.  Watering is done by hand now at the base of the plant.
 Are the brown spots normal?  Due to fungus? Nutrition deficiency?
 
Thanks, Chris

Chris, good question and the photograph helps answer the question.  Your basil definitely is suffering from Colletotrichum disease.  The disease is identified by the black spots, black haloed rings, and black stems. It occurs when there is a combination of high humidity, lack of air circulation, and the plants are watered often. You will want to get rid of the basil plants that are affected and plant another herb or plant in that location.

When you use plant with soil amendments, especially ones that hold water well, gardeners can overwater plants.  Always check the soil before watering to ensure that you really do need to water.  Never water the soil if the ground is wet, cool, or damp.  Twice a week watering should be enough for amended garden beds in full sun.   Space plants far enough apart that they have plenty of air circulation. 

Thanks for writing Chris!
Teresa

 

"Transformation of A Boring Space Into A Garden "

I received this email today from a client who is pleased with her landscape design almost a year later:

"I can't say enough about Teresa Watkins and her amazing creativity. When we met to discuss my frustration with creating a beautiful space along our lakefront, Teresa has some thoughts but mostly she spent time listening to me describe gardens I enjoyed visiting.  She took several photos and spent a great deal of time studying the space I had in mind for my new garden.  When she returned with a plan, I was amazed.

Since my husband and I enjoy gardening, we chose to take Teresa's plan and gradually create Teresa's vision on our own.  We added soil, we raked and killed weeds and planted according to Teresa's plan.  The transformation from a boring space to a park-like setting has not only given us the pleasure of a beautiful space to admire; but neighbors have actually left notes at my door thanking me for the garden.  One neighbor said, 'Its the highlight of my morning walk.'  Thank you, Teresa for making me look so good." 
 

Violet, Mount Dora, FL

I love when I hear compliments like Violet's because I know that I've accomplished what they wanted and continue to appreciate. It's so enervating to see my clients with the landscapes of their dreams that are not only beautiful but are water conserving and not a lot of post-installation aftercare needed. That's the secret to great landscapes: Proper design and correct installation. What do you think of Violet's and her husband's hard work with their lakefront park?

 

 

Read more clients' comment's here.

 

Want me to design a garden or landscape for you?  Contact me here.

"Finding your garden theme is as easy as seeing what brings a smile to your face."

 

~ Teresa Watkins, "Gardening with Soul"