Gardeners issued stark warning over common sign your plant is suffering from disease

A bit of colour in the flowerbeds is always lovely, be it bright red petunias or cheerful yellow primrose. But there's one hue green-thumbed enthusiasts have been warned to steer clear of. Gardeners hoping to get spring-ready are being advised to remove plants displaying grey spots - as this can signify decay resulting from a common disease. The ashy mould, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, can be found on a variety of plants and may spread rapidly throughout other greenery.

It thrives especially during damp, cool to mild weather, which in turn can affect flora all year round. The invasive disease causes a soft decay of plant tissues, accompanied by a growth of grey fuzz. Botrytis typically infects a plant by entering through a wound, or attacks ones that are under stress, which mostly occurs when conditions are unstable or unsettled. However, it can also affect healthy vegetation, as well as flowers and fruits, reports the Express.

Grey mould, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is a fungal disease found on a variety of plants and can spread rapidly throughout gardens (stock image). Botrytis is commonly found on strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, grapes, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumber, lettuce and beans. One of the key symptoms are those distinct, smoky-coloured spots, and gardeners are urged to dispose of infected plants before the disease takes hold and spreads.

In low humidity conditions, the infection is normally contained to a single case, typically taking on the form of small grey patches. However, when humidity is high, the spattering can spread rapidly throughout the plant, appearing as a fuzzy grey-brown mould on decaying buds, flowers, leaves or fruits. If gardeners identify an infection, experts advise to remove and dispose of every trace of dead plant material from the area, as the disease is still able to spread.

Experts also stress to avoid composting affected leaves, stems or other material as this can also encourage Botrytis to infiltrate other areas. In low humidity conditions, the infection is normally contained to a single plants, typically taking on the form of small grey patches (stock image). However, when humidity is high, the spots can spread rapidly throughout the plant, appearing as a fuzzy grey-brown mould on decaying buds, flowers, leaves or fruits (stock image).

For flora cultivated in a greenhouse, it's essential to reduce the humidity by enhancing ventilation, taking extra care so as not to overcrowd the area. It's also crucial to maintain hygiene in plants as this can help prevent mould formation. This can be done by tidying any soil beneath plants and removing fallen debris that may have blown into your outdoor space. Guidance from Plant Natural also suggests watering your shrubs first thing in the morning, allowing them to dry throughout the day.

Meanwhile, experts have urged gardeners to sprinkle an everyday kitchen spice in bird feed during the winter months to ensure it isn't stolen by other animals. The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) has repeatedly sounded alarms about the decline in the number of several populationsin the UK, with the not-for-profit organisation also highlighting how cold weather can adversely impact them.

According to the charity, cold winters can kill a lot of birds through starvation - especially against the backdrop of dwindling insect numbers due to climate change and the use of pesticides. Leaving food out for them in the winter can reduce the risk - so long as it is not stolen by other animals. To ensure squirrels and foxes don't nibble away at birdfeed, the RSPB recommends mixing chilli powder in it.