Expert: James L. Crowder - 10/13/2009

Question
Hi there,
Moved to Arizona in December.  Have created several flower beds and planted a couple pygmy palms using all brand new purchased soil.  Some soil was organic, some was miracle grow soil.  Have struggled with plants, most have died.  Returned many to Home depot as pests were discovered.  Scales were discovered on the palms.  Treating those with Bayer. (It's personal now, although I am entitled to return those as well) More of a concern now, is digging up the soil I am discovering white and green powder mold through out the soil???  Is there a treatment or do I really have to dig up all the soil and discard it?  Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.  Nissa

Answer
Hi Nissa, When building flower beds, you do not want to remove or replace soil or add a different textured soil on top of your existing soil.  You should amend the existing soil by blending not more than 1/3 organic matter uniformly into your soil.  I suspect you are having issues related to water.  The moldy appearance suggests you soil is staying too wet, too long.
I'd remove any existing plants, till the new soil into your old soil and replant.  The fungus is probably not harmful to your plants.  However the conditions that led to it can cause root rot and other problems which may have killed your other plants.  The Bayer product should cure the scale.
Just a suggestion, find yourself a local independent nurseryman.  When you want to do anything like make a new bed or do some landscaping, talk to him, let him guide you in the right direction so you don't have to fix it later.  The box stores will replace plants that die, but an independent nurseryman will help you prevent that from happening.  Jim