Root Rot

A number of things can cause 'root rot.' Another umbrella term to include plants that decline due to poor care, disorders or diseases. Watering can be tricky and is often what the gardener does wrong. On these continuing wet days with no sun, root rotting becomes a concern, especially for plants in low lying areas. When there is little to no sun a plant uses less water. Although a plant continues to transpire (breathing through the pores in its leaves) it uses less water in cool weather. On windy days plants use more water as the wind continues to dry them out they must continue to replace the water in themselves. Yes, I know it can get complicated. Checking the soil preferably with a tensiometer is best. I have even seen small home versions for about $15. It is a soil probe that tells you if you need you to water, takes out the guesswork. Yes, many of you know, but there are a lot of new gardeners out there! Other things you can do to curb this problem:

• right plant  -  right place, ie: don't plant prairie type plants in low spots, try siberian iris
• water only when needed - 2x per week max!
• do not mulch heavy around the crowns of the plants, the root zone is the part that needs it
• do not mulch at all on TB, IB, BB, SDB iris, or plants that have grayish foliage (sages)
• move plants or re-plant on ridges if you can't move them
• bigger plants will be more tolerant, they use more water and have more root to survive flooding
• get control of insects before they take over, many have larvae that feed on the root system which can lead to root injury and saturation