How do I know if my plants have a disease or just need nutrients?

When your plants are looking unwell, it’s not always clear what the cause is. Are they sick? Or just hungry? Understanding the signs of nutrient deficiency versus disease is the first step in treating the problem effectively.

Common Signs of Nutrient Deficiency

  • Yellowing leaves (often nitrogen deficiency)
  • Purple or reddish tints on leaves (phosphorus)
  • Weak or stunted growth
  • Poor flowering or fruiting

These issues are often related to soil quality and can be corrected with the right fertiliser or soil amendments.

Common Signs of Disease

  • Leaf spots or mould
  • Wilting despite moist soil
  • Sudden dieback or cankers
  • Sticky residue or black sooty mould (often from pests)

Diseases are usually caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses — and often spread by insects, rain splash, or contaminated tools.

How We Can Help

We can visit your garden and assess the symptoms. With local experience and plant knowledge, we’ll identify whether your plants need nutrients, pest control, or disease treatment — and create a plan that suits your space and season.

Final Tip

Keep a photo record of changes in your plants — it helps us diagnose problems more accurately when we visit.

Scroll to Top