Your garden is your pride and joy, bringing life and color to your Texan home’s exterior. That’s why it can be nerve-racking to see your beautiful plants withering away. Before you blame the harsh, unpredictable weather, take a minute to explore other potential causes. Here are some possible reasons your outdoor plants are dying.
Too Much or Too Little Water
Over- and underwatering are the two most common causes of plant death, so we have to cover them first. Overwatering leads to root rot, which suffocates plants and prevents them from absorbing nutrients. On the other hand, drought-like conditions can cause plants to wilt and die.
Texas’s scorching summers and unpredictable rain patterns make it difficult to manage proper garden watering and irrigation. If your plants are yellowing and droopy, check the soil. If the soil is wet, the symptoms are likely due to overwatering, and the opposite is true if the soil is dry.
Some additional telltale signs of overwatering include rotted roots, mold, and squishy stems. For underwatering, look for crispy leaves.
Poor Soil Conditions
In Texas, many areas have clay-heavy soil that drains poorly and lacks sufficient nutrients. This can make it difficult for plants to thrive. Conducting a soil test can reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. If you discover the soil to be the problem, consider amending it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Shifting soil could also be the culprit. Though less common, unstable soil conditions can do a lot of damage to your home, and this damage can manifest in the garden. To identify this issue, examine your driveway; if you notice any signs your concrete needs lifting, then unstable soil could be the culprit.
Unfitness for the Climate
The problem might simply be that you’re trying to grow plants not suited for Texas’s climate. Though you can probably rectify the issue with vigilant, meticulous care, you might not have the time to do this.
Instead, make sure all the plants in your garden are native species adapted to your region’s environmental challenges. If you want help, local nurseries can provide guidance on a good plant selection.
Pests
Gardens everywhere suffer fatalities due to pests, and those unwanted critters could be what are plaguing your flora. Get out in your garden and take a close look for the following pests common in Texas:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Flea beetles
- Striped cucumber beetles
- Whiteflies
- Cutworms
- Squash bugs
- Leaf miners
This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good starting point. If you notice any of these pests, seek insecticide solutions immediately.
Weed Growth
Weeds compete with your outdoor plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. In Texas, weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, henbit, and chickweed are prone to overtake your garden.
The fix could be as simple as removing the offending parties. If they’ve already done damage, then you’ll have to remove the weeds and replant what you want to be there. Then, it’s a matter of regular weeding and mulching to prevent weeds from taking hold.
Do any of these possible reasons your outdoor plants are dying sound likely? If so, you can take action today and prevent the problem from getting worse. Best of luck—we hope your plants survive!
