Once fungal diseases start romping through your garden, they are a royal pain in the grass. Instead of spending all that time doing battle, stop the foul things before they get started.

Plant Smart. Look for plants that naturally thrive were you live. They will be stronger, and better able to fend off diseases and pests.

Keep it clean. Get rid of dead plant debris the minute you spot it, especially at the base of plants, where fungus spores thrive.

Mulch often. A blanket if fresh organic mulch will keep fungi in the soil from splashing up on your plants when it rains or when you water. It will also fend off disease-spreading weeds.

Aim low. When you water, point your hose at the ground. Better yet, install a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose. Wet foliage – especially after dark – is an invitation to fungus.

Encourage allies. Good guy bugs and other predators will polish off boatloads of disease-spreading insects.

Search and destroy. Inspect your plants at least every couple of days, and if something does not look right, deal with it now. Tomorrow could be too late.