TIME TO TROUBLESHOOT

Common reasons plants don’t thrive – and simple solutions

Problem Your garden is north-facing, but shade cast by a tree or building gives it a southern aspect. Solution Add shade-loving plants. Problem Certain garden corners are microclimates at odds with your overall patch, such as mass plantings that lift humidity. Solution Mass plant only in areas with good air flow. Problem Plants on one side of a path thrive while those on the other side fail as they’re under eaves and don’t get the same rain. Solution Hand-water plants under eaves. Problem Tradies have tipped leftover lime from cement mix into your garden, changing the soil ph levels.

Solution Get a soil ph tester from your local nursery, then add sulphur if the alkalinity is too high. Problem You’ve mixed thirsty plants with abstinent ones. Solution Put like-minded plants together.