Problems with the Leaves of Your Outdoor Plants and Flowers?

All gardeners eventually experience problems of one type or another with the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers, and even with the most diligent care, problems with the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers are bound to occur. Sometimes the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers become misshapen, curled, discolored, spotted, or even permanently damaged, but if you know what these problems with the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers indicate, you can take the necessary steps to correct these problems. If you're having problems with the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers, check the following list of potential problems that include the steps you can take to correct them and to avoid recurring problems.

Black Spotted Leaves

If you're noticing black spots on the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers, these problems can be easily corrected. Chances are that the problems associated with black spots on leaves is due to a fungus. To correct the problems caused by fungus on the leaves of plants and flowers, spray them with copper oxychloride according to product label instructions. Avoid future fungus problems on the leaves of plants and flowers by watering them early in the day, and take care not to get the leaves of your plants and flowers wet.

Holes or Chew Marks on Leaves

Holes or chewed edges on the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers are problems generally caused by insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars. Problems with chewed edges or holes on leaves could also be caused by hungry garden snails. If you suspect snails may be the source of the problems, use snail bait according to product label instructions. Problems with insects can be alleviated by dusting the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers with a product containing rotenone. To avoid future problems on the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers, carefully follow label instructions and use the product until the problems with insects have ended.

Yellow Leaves

Every gardener eventually finds the leaves of outdoor plants or flowers turning an ominous shade of yellow. For problems of this kind concerning the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers, consider the amount of water your flowers and plants are given. Over saturation as well as dryness can cause problems with the leaves of plants and flowers.

Some outdoor plants and flowers suffering problems of yellow leaves simply need feeding. Find a water-soluble food that lists your plants or flowers. Follow label instructions carefully. This may be all that is necessary to correct problems of yellowing leaves of outdoor plants and flowers.

Curled or Misshapen Leaves

Problems of curled or misshapen leaves of outdoor plants and flowers could be caused by a number of different reasons. Weed killers used nearby plants and flowers could be the source of the problems with curled or misshapen leaves. If a weed killer has not been used in the area of plants and flowers, check the leaves for problems caused by insects or disease.

Aphids can cause serious problems with the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers, and these destructive insects can be identified by their sticky green bodies. Aphids blend in well with the leaves of plants and flowers, so search for them carefully. They group together on the leaves of plants and flowers, and they create a sticky substance. If you find aphids to be the source of the problems with the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers, your local garden center can suggest insecticidal soap or a product containing pyrethrum. Follow label instructions carefully when treating problems with the leaves of any outdoor plants and flowers.

If the insects or weed killers are not the source of problems with the leaves of your plants and flowers, they may have a viral disease. Unfortunately, if the problems causing the leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers to curl are viral, there is nothing that can be done to correct the problems.

Gray or White Powder on Leaves

If your plants and flowers with problems appear to have gray or white powder on the leaves, this is more than likely caused by powdery mildew. Problems such as these are especially prevalent on the leaves of sweet peas. To avoid problems on the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers associated with powdery mildew, don't water your plants and flowers in the late afternoon or evening. Problems of powdery mildew on the leaves of flowers and plants can be remedied by spraying them with a product containing sulfur. Follow label instructions carefully before spraying the leaves of your outdoor flowers and plants.

Silver Trails on Leaves

Problems with unsightly silver trails on the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers are more than likely leaf miner. Problems on leaves of plants and flowers such as leaf miner won't affect the quality or beauty of the flowers, but if you are bothered by the appearance of the leaves, consider spraying them with a systemic insecticide. As with any product to cure problems concerning the leaves of outdoor plants and flowers, be sure to carefully follow instructions.

Rust-colored Spots on Backs of Leaves

Problems with rust-colored spots on the backsides of leaves of your outdoor plants and flowers indicate a condition known as "rust." Problems with rust can be treated by pinching off affected leaves and spraying plants and flowers with copper oxychloride. To avoid further problems with rust, avoid watering outdoor plants and flowers toward evening. Outdoor plants and flowers with problems such as these can be easily corrected and kept under control.