RHS: Maintain Plant Health (3)

Course outline

• Maintaining Plant Health

  This lesson tackles external factors affecting plant health. This will include the impact of pests and weeds, and the impact of plant diseases and disorders. You will then be given pointers as to how to make informed decisions about the best solutions for each of these problems.

• Biological Control

  Here you will learn about the different biological and chemical methods of controlling pests. This will include the potential benefits of predators and parasites. You will be given an overall view of the different benefits of each method, as well as advice on how to minimise the risks associated with each solution.

• Herbicides

  In this lesson you will be introduced to the different types of herbicide. You will also be informed of the possible impact on the environment of each herbicide, and consequently how to maintain the natural balances of your garden.

• Problems Caused by Weeds

  This lesson doesn’t just cover the problems weeds create, and their subsequent impact on your garden. Instead it will teach you about the reasons for weeds success and the different classifications of weed, leaving you better informed to choose how best to tackle weed problems.

  Note: the video lessons mention diquat, we now recommend Acetic Acid.

• Pests that Cause Problems in the Garden and Glasshouse

  You will focus primarily on the problems caused by pests. This will include a review of the different impacts and that different pests can have. You will then learn about the different methods of control for common pests.

• Fungal Diseases

  Here you will learn first about factors increasing the risk of infection by a fungal disease, and so how best to reduce the risk of infection. You will be introduced to common fungi (for instance the honey fungus and grey mould), and be shown the signs they present, and the possible solutions.

• Bacterial and Viral Diseases

  In this lesson you will study the varied methods of control for bacterial and viral diseases, as well as how to look for signs of some of the most common diseases. You will then be shown the signs and perils of: frost damage; temperature damage; and water logging.