Shovels, hoes and rakes need protection to avoid weatherization and decay. Wooden handles gets cracked or split-up over time due to moisture. Sand paper the wooden handles to prevent some of the damage and smooth the wood. A water-resistant coat or a paint finish (non-toxic) will preserve the surface.

Fiberglass handles develop stress marks and cracks. Solution is to wind sturdy tape around the damaged parts. The “quick fix glue” won’t protect from severe splits. But it will prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside the fiberglass coating.

Lightly sand paper away the rust from metal and blades surfaces on the tools. Before storing wipe away clay, dirt, fertilizer, or mud from the surface of the tools. Make sure the wood and metal are dry and clean.

Remove all rocks, soil, other debris, and faded plants from the pots when the season has ended. Any remaining root debris and soil in the seed trays should be emptied. Carefully dry pots and trays before storage.

Diseases do occur in plants. And the different types of diseases that affect the growth & the health of the plants are bacteria, viruses & fungi wherein fungi cause the most problems among the diseases.

Tips to prevent diseases:-

• Provide proper spacing in between the plants since plants which are grown in crowded area tend to trap the moisture in the air which in turn encourages the growth of living organisms that spreads diseases.
• Always clean the garden by removing up any unwanted materials which might help develop organisms that cause diseases.
• Have crop rotation done inside the garden itself as it will help benefit in the growth process.
• Make sure to purchase only plants which are resistant to diseases or hybrid plants.
• Always provide healthy growing environmental conditions surrounding the plant, as it has an adverse effect to the growth of the plants.
• Last but not the least of all. Have the precaution to tend to remove & discard any diseased plants so that any untoward spreading up of diseases does not occur in the garden.

One of the most common problems found in every garden is pests.

Check up for the lists below regularly so that the plant does not get infected:

• Loose soil mounds
• Webs
• Chewed leaves with holes.
• Sap oozing
• Wilted Blackened
• Bugs
• Any droppings on ground or the plants

As the saying goes prevention of pests is the best cure. If serious problems occur take sample of it to local nursery for further help.

First of all, purchase the seeds & plants which are free of diseases & also pest resistant, keeping in mind of the labels of packaging for resistances in specific. Plants which are healthy tend to have the resistance toward pests & diseases.

For providing resistance naturally the plant should get maximum growth which can only be achieved to its optimum by providing a favorable growing up environment for the plants.

Provide enough & appropriate amount of sunlight to be received by the plants. The duration of the amount of sunlight to be received can vary from 6 hours to 8 hours daily.

Give a proper drainage & irrigate it only when its badly needed.

First treatment of pests can be done by mechanical sharp hoe which is considered the best all weeds. Even disposal of insects through picking up by the hands is more than sufficient for controlling it.

Diagnose any problem with assistance than go for chemical treatments only when necessary enough.

Basic Tips For Maintaining Your Garden :-

• Start with a proper planning for your garden.
• Have a good source of water supply as your garden will need loads of H2O
• Get to know what your garden has the pH level, capability of water retention, its soil chemical composition.
• Choke out the plants which would grow best as per your soil test done above & allot the areas for different plants and flowers.
• Maintain your plants & flowers everyday. Give the required amount of water & foods necessary for the plants & flowers.
• Protect your plant by providing from various common factors like insects, pests ,very cold or hot weather weather & pests which can affect your plants & flowers drastically.
• Spray pesticides &  disinfectants at regular intervals. It can help prevent pest attack & potential diseases a plant gets usually.
• Do consult your nearest agricultural experts, flower nurseries, books & the best source on the net for garden care www.thegardencare.com