Q What’s eating my avocado plant? Susan Clark RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA

Melinda: Holes in the leaves of a plant often mean that an insect nibbled on it. But a closer look at these leaves shows brown spots as well as holes with brown edges. This indicates a leaf spot disease, not an insect problem. When portions of a leaf are damaged, the tissue dies and often falls off, producing holes in the foliage. Adjusting the growing conditions and ongoing care are often enough to manage these types of diseases. Make sure the plant receives plenty of light and is watered thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.

Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to disease problems. Grow your plant in a draft-free, cool location to encourage healthier growth.