Cultural control of phytophthora root rot

Phytophthora root rot is a serious, soil-based disease that can kill a wide range of plants.

If the presence of the disease is confirmed in the garden, there a number of steps that must be taken to control/eradicate the disease:

- Remove any infected plants, particularly those that look too weak to grow.

- Remove infected soil from the garden.

-  Practice good garden hygiene to prevent the spread of this disease. Tools and footwear can carry the disease to other parts of the garden. Clean or change footwear at the edge of the diseased area. Disinfect tools after use.

- Improve soil drainage by aerating the soil with a fork. Brush horticultural sand into the holes. 

- Replant with disease-resistant species and cultivars.

- Replant into a raised bed or mound to promote good drainage. 

- Make sure plants do not have soil or mulch piled around their stems. 

- Use dry mulches like grit, shingle, or pea gravel to ensure good drainage.