Growing Tips

Anyone who's gardened before knows that too much or too little light or water can mean bad things for a healthy plant. But what can you do?

Observe your plant and take corrective measures!

Symptoms	Cause	Corrective measures
Plants tall, spindly and unproductive	Insufficient light	Move container to area receiving more light
Plants tall, spindly and unproductive	Excessive nitrogen	Reduce feeding intervals
Plants yellowing from bottom, lack vigor, poor color	Excessive water	Reduce watering intervals; Check for good drainage
Plants yellowing from bottom, lack vigor, poor color	Low fertility	Increase fertility level of base solution
Plants wilt although sufficient water present	Poor drainage and aeration	Use mix containing higher percent organic matter; increase number of holes for drainage
Marginal burning or firing of the leaves	High salts	Leach container with tap water at regular intervals
Plants stunted in growth; sickly, purplish color	Low temperature	Relocate container to warmer area
Plants stunted in growth; sickly, purplish color	Low phosphate	Increase phosphate level in base solution
Holes in leaves, leaves distorted in shape	Insects	Use EPA-recommended insecticide
Plant leaves with spots; dead dried areas, or powdery or rusty areas	Plant diseases	Remove diseased areas where observed and use EPA-recommended fungicide