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conditions - is to lay a thick mulch around the plant. This helps lock moisture in the ground, and stops rain splashing the spores from the soil on to new growth. Spray with a fungicide containing myclobutanil. Begin spraying each fortnight from early spring

by yellowing between the leaf veins and around the leaf margins. Other colours might break through as the green fades.For a long-term solution, apply a yearly mulch of home-made compost. This will conserve moisture, prevent the leaching of nutrients during

of mildew is a white powdery coating on the leaves that, if left, leads to a distorted, stunted plant, an inedible crop and even dieback.Healthy plants are less susceptible, so make sure they are well spaced and have good air circulation around them. Mulch

and fruit. Clear up infected, fallen leaves around trees. Cover fence or wall-trained trees with polythene sheet in January and February to prevent development of fungus. Alternatively, erect an open-sided 'tent' over bushes in the open garden. Mulch around

and even dieback. Prune out affected parts of the plant and destroy. Healthy plants are less prone to attack, so make sure you water regularly and mulch around them to conserve moisture in the soil. Space out your plants to avoid over-crowding and thin out

fallen leaves. When pruning, cut out any stems with blackspot on. In late-winter, spread a thick layer of mulch around the base of the affected plant to prevent rain splashing soil-borne spores on to new spring growth. Grow rose varieties

into the planting hole. For established roses, a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help. Before symptoms appear, apply a fungicide containing flutriafol or myclobutanil at the recommended intervals from early spring.roses - other powdery mildews

. It can grow practically anywhere, and spreads quickly via strong runners that root at nodes.The most effective organic approach is to dig out the plant wherever it appears using a fork or trowel. Mulching deeply is ideal for smothering the weed. In lawns

or hoe off young seedlings and remove from the soil surface. Avoid deep cultivation which brings up new seeds. Apply a mulch to the surface after weeding to prevent further germination. Use contact weedkiller to kill seedlings and young plants before

. They advocate the no-dig technique in which a thick mulch is applied to the soil surface every year. This could help prevent weed seeds from emerging as it prevents light from reaching them. Now that does sound like a good idea!