Things You'll Need:
- PH Tester or Testing Strips
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Step 1
Insect Damage on PlantExamine the plant’s leaves and stems. Do you see any signs of disease or insects or insect damage.
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Step 2
Discolored Plant on the LeftLook at the plant's leaves, is the foliage discolored or is the growth stunted. This may be caused by soil that it's too wet or is too compacted, which means poor root growth.
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Step 3
Stunted PlantHas there been extreme cold or extreme heat. Either one of these can slow plant growth and affect flowering and fruiting.
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Step 4
Salt Injury on Strawberry PlantOver fertilization can cause salt injury also known as burning your plants. When this happens, your plants may look burnt or they will wilt even after watering.
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Step 5
Plants Need a Balance of NutrientsPlants need a balance of nutrients to remain healthy and growing. Nutrients that are needed in large quantities are called macronutrients. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur and magnesium are the macronutrients.
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Step 6
Plant MicronutrientsPlants also need small amounts of other nutrients but in much smaller amounts. boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc. These are called the micronutrients.
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Step 7
Plant Nutrient CyclePlants take up all of these nutrients through their root systems. The appropriate soil pH is necessary for your plant to take up nutrients. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. Every plant prefers a certain pH range in order to get nutrients out of the soil. If your soil pH is too acidic or too alkaline your plant will not be able to take in nutrients. You may purchase pH testing strips or a pH testing kit at any local nursery center.
