Gardeners in warm, humid climates are now fighting bud blast. If the buds on your flowers and fruits dry up and fall off before they bloom, the fungus Botrytis is probably the cause. The disease thrives in warm humid areas where air circulation is poor. Here are some suggestions to help combat bud blast:

• Remove all affected parts of the plant and destroy them.
• Clean up any debris that may have fallen around the plant.
• Remove and replace old mulch.
• Space and prune plants so there is plenty of room for air to circulate.
• Spray with a fungicide.