Prevent Future Insect and Disease Problems
Take some time now to reduce insect and disease problems in next year’s garden.
Remove any insect and disease-infested plants and fruit from the garden. These serve as overwintering sites for disease organisms and insects that can re-infest next year’s planting.
Those battling late blight on tomatoes and potatoes must remove infested plants and fruits to prevent this fungal disease from overwintering in their garden.
Remove brush piles that provide habitat for hungry rabbits and some insects. Pull weeds that harbor voles and serve as host of damaging insects and diseases.
Destroy, don’t compost, these and all pest infested materials. Most of our compost piles do not reach high enough temperatures to kill overwintering insects and disease organisms. Contact your local municipality for disposal guidelines.
A bit more information: Those battling late blight in the garden may want to apply an organic fungicide next season to prevent this disease from destroying your harvest once again. Select a fungicide labeled to control late blight on vegetables. And be sure to read and follow label directions carefully.
Related

Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
May 3, 2025
Low-Maintenance Gardening
Merton, WI
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 10, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 11, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 14, 2025
Houseplants 101
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 20, 2025 (event 6/20-6/22)
Pollinator Celebration
Vino in the Valley
Maiden Rock, WI
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More