Exercise 3 solution

Example answer (yours will differ):
1. Dry soil: push a finger 5 cm into the soil; if dry, water slowly at the base. Wilting recovers within hours.
2. Hot sun or wind (not hardened off): leaves look scorched or crisp, wilting is worst in the afternoon. Shade with fleece or a cloche; recovery is slow, and damaged leaves will not recover.
3. Cold: leaves are pale or purplish, the weather has been cold. Cover with fleece at night; growth resumes when it warms up.
4. Root damage or planting too deep: plant stays wilted despite moist soil. Gently check the root ball, replant at pot depth, firm, water.
5. Slugs or other pests: chewed leaves or slime trails. Check at dusk, use barriers or traps (chapter 7).
First check: soil moisture, then the weather of the last two nights, then the roots.