STEM ROT

There’s probably not a more frustrating condition than stem rot, as it’s usually terminal for your plants and you’re 99% to blame. Stem rot is exactly as it sounds – the rotting of a plant’s stem. It is the result of overwatering, and in most cases over-mulching, which creates humidity around the stem of the plant that will eventually cause it to rot.

Thankfully, it is easily avoided in warm climates like Australia, as long as you take some care with your watering practices. If you’re working in boggy or clay-based soils, monitor the soil and its water retention carefully and then set your watering schedule accordingly. Then, when mulching your plants, keep its depth to no more than 3–5 cm (11⁄4–2 in) and keep a wide berth of the stems of susceptible plants.

There’s enough to get frustrated about in life without having to heighten it through unnecessary stem rot.