Pre-sow
- HighRotate tomatoes and potatoes to fresh ground each year
Reduces risk of: Late blight, Early blight
- HighSow at the recommended depth - too deep is a common cause of failure
Reduces risk of: Poor germination, Damping off
- HighChoose blight-tolerant varieties where available (e.g. Sarpo Mira for potato)
Reduces risk of: Late blight
- HighUse fresh, quality seed from reputable suppliers
Reduces risk of: Poor germination
- HighUse fresh, sterile growing medium - reused compost harbours more pathogens
Reduces risk of: Damping off
- HighEnsure beds have good drainage before planting
Reduces risk of: Root rot
- HighRaise beds or improve soil structure in persistently waterlogged areas
Reduces risk of: Root rot
- HighStart seedlings under cover and transplant only when plants are large enough to withstand some damage
Reduces risk of: Slugs
- MediumSpace plants at recommended distances to allow airflow
Reduces risk of: Late blight, Early blight, Grey mould (Botrytis)
- MediumEnsure firm seed-to-soil contact by firming the bed after sowing
Reduces risk of: Poor germination
- MediumWarm the soil with fleece or a cloche before sowing early-season crops
Reduces risk of: Poor germination
- MediumAvoid planting in low-lying, still-air positions
Reduces risk of: Grey mould (Botrytis)
- MediumMulching around plants helps retain soil moisture and reduces fluctuation
Reduces risk of: Blossom end rot
- MediumEncourage ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies with companion planting
Reduces risk of: Aphids
- MediumAvoid overcrowding plants
Reduces risk of: Whitefly
- MediumCopper tape or sharp grit around raised bed edges provides a deterrent
Reduces risk of: Slugs
- LowUse clean, rinsed trays and pots for seedling raising
Reduces risk of: Damping off
- LowReflective mulch can deter adults from landing on plants
Reduces risk of: Whitefly
- LowEncourage hedgehogs, ground beetles, and frogs by providing habitat
Reduces risk of: Slugs
In season
- HighAvoid overhead irrigation, especially in the evening
Reduces risk of: Late blight
- HighRemove dead or dying plant material promptly throughout the season
Reduces risk of: Grey mould (Botrytis)
- HighUse a consistent watering regime from fruit set onwards - erratic watering is the primary trigger
Reduces risk of: Blossom end rot
- HighVentilate polytunnels and glasshouses well to reduce pest and disease pressure
Reduces risk of: Whitefly
- HighMaintain adequate humidity in growing areas, especially in polytunnels during hot spells
Reduces risk of: Spider mites
- HighWater plants well during dry periods - drought-stressed plants are far more susceptible
Reduces risk of: Spider mites
- MediumWater at the base rather than over the foliage
Reduces risk of: Early blight
- MediumWater from below where possible to keep the surface drier
Reduces risk of: Damping off
- MediumAvoid overwatering, particularly in cooler weather when plant water demand is lower
Reduces risk of: Root rot
- MediumAvoid high-nitrogen feeding which promotes rapid leafy growth at the expense of calcium uptake
Reduces risk of: Blossom end rot
- MediumAvoid excessive nitrogen feeding, which promotes the soft lush growth that pests favour
Reduces risk of: Aphids
- MediumInspect undersides of leaves regularly from mid-spring onwards
Reduces risk of: Aphids
- MediumAvoid mulching too close to vulnerable seedlings early in the season
Reduces risk of: Slugs
- LowAvoid dusty conditions which encourage mite activity
Reduces risk of: Spider mites
End of season
- MediumClear crop debris promptly at the end of the season
Reduces risk of: Early blight