Wet spring could negatively impact hostas
Some hostas are being affected by anthracnose, which is a disease of minor concern. The anthracnose fungi cause large, irregular white to tan spots with dark margins on the leaves.
The centers of spots will often fall out, with the leaves taking on a tattered look. Entire leaves will die back when the spots grow together. The rainy weather we have been experiencing this spring has created optimum conditions for this disease to develop.
Warm and wet weather is good for disease development. Anthracnose will be more prevalent in gardens that have hostas planted very close together and poor air circulation.
It is important to remove all the infected foliage on your hostas. It is early in the season, and the plants should fill back in. Hostas are tough plants.
• Practice integrated pest management in your garden to reduce the need to use pesticides. Begin by choosing the proper plant for your site. Then use good planting practices, such as amending the soil with compost and planting at the proper depth.
When possible, select plants that are resistant to common diseases and give them the appropriate care to minimize problems.
Monitor all plants carefully for insects and diseases. If trouble arises, identify the problem and use the least toxic control measure when damage is not tolerable. Timing is also important; apply controls when pests and disease are most susceptible. Never spray just because you see insects, as some of them might be beneficial or harmless. When you use an insecticide, you kill the good insects along with the bad ones.
• When using power equipment such as a weed whip in the garden, wear protective glasses and earplugs. The plastic line can kick up debris that could injure your eyes or sting your legs if you are wearing shorts.
The line can also injure the bark of trees.
Some equipment can be loud, making ear protection especially important if you are using it for an extended period of time. I use ear coverings when mowing the lawn and whenever I use a leaf blower.
• Some garden plants are struggling because of all the rainy weather. If you have yews that are turning an off-green color, then it's likely that the soil has been too wet. It's best to avoid watering any established plants in your garden, should you need to water new plantings.
• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.