Spring is coming according to gardeners’ questions sent directly to Westland Horticulture’s innovative, new online and text diagnostic service.
In its first month of operation, gardeners’ have sought advice about frost damage as well as how Westland’s Plant Rescue products[1] can help plants recover from fungus and the first signs of pest attack.
“So far we have had more than 60 questions and it’s certainly starting to pick up more recently,” says Adam Long, Westland’s product manager for fertilisers & chemicals. “Immediately after the launch the majority of questions were about frost damage but now gardeners are seeking expert advice on fungal control and pest damage – including our first slug queries. We will monitor the different questions as the season progresses.”
Gardeners can seek advice by sending a picture via MMS[2] to 60300 starting their message with the word ‘RESCUE’ and then a brief description of the problem and their postcode or by uploading a picture via the special web form at www.gardenhealth.com/plantrescue. Trained experts will aim to respond with a diagnosis and remedy within 24 hours[3].
“We are delighted that so many gardeners are using our diagnostic service in its first month. Questions will provide a good example of what’s happening in British gardens throughout the year,” adds Adam.
ENDS
1 Available from local garden centres all Plant Rescue products come in 750ml ready to use sprays with a RRP of £4.99, as well as 2 X 100ml twin pack concentrate versions with a RRP of £7.99.
The Plant Rescue Concentrate has been designed to educate consumers about the benefits of ‘action to prevent’. By providing gardeners with two bottles, one to treat the immediate problem and one to begin a regular prevention programme, their plants are getting the best possible treatment.
2 This will cost the same as a standard picture message according to the users contract/network provider, this is NOT a premium rate & Westland will not profit from this.
3 When a Westland product cannot be recommended ‘best practice’ advice will be provided on how to prevent pests in the future or natural ways to control them, alternatively a generic active ingredient that they can look for to treat the problem will be offered.
Notes to editors:
Plant Rescue Bug Killer Fruit & Veg contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin. Plant Rescue Bug Killer Flowering Plants contains Thiamethoxam & Abamectin. Plant Rescue Fungus Killer contains Difenoconazole.
Always read the label. Use pesticides safely.
No: 10/086