Garden Problems (and how to fix them without losing your mind)
Your garden should be a place of joy, not a puzzle. But sometimes, despite watering, fertilising, and doing your best, plants still look a bit… meh.
This page is your quick guide to the most common garden problems NZ gardeners face, what they look like, and which DCT products can help. Click a problem to read the full breakdown.
How to use this page
Pick the problem that matches what you’re seeing in your garden
Click through to the full problem page
Use the recommended DCT product(s) to support your soil and plants
The Gremlins in your Garden
Common Garden Challenges
Problem Areas Commonly Addressed by Our Products
🌿Nutrient Lock-Up in Garden Soils — when plants yellow or stall despite regular feeding
⚠️Herbicide Residues in Compost & Soil (Killer Compost) — when new plants show twisted growth or stunted fruiting
🌱Poor Root Development — when seedlings or transplants fail to establish or grow weak roots
💧Water Stress — Too Wet or Too Dry — when drought or waterlogged soil slows plant growth
🏡Compacted or Lifeless Soils — when hard or dense soil limits water, nutrients, and root growth
🐛Low Soil Biology / “Dead Soil” — when soils lack microbial life and plants rely on constant feeding
🌟Micronutrient Deficiencies — when plants look pale or distorted despite fertilising
🌞Plant Stress & Slow Recovery — when frost, heat, pruning, or pests leave plants struggling
🌿Herbicide Frustrations — Spray not working, needing repeat applications
🌿 How DCT Products Can Help
These products are designed to support NZ gardeners with common soil and plant challenges:
Lazerhume — soil-first support for stronger roots and healthier plants
DCT Garden — gentle nutrition for beds, vegetables and fruit trees
DCT Lawn — supports lawns with iron and balanced nutrition
Weed Spray Enhance — helps herbicides work more effectively while reducing waste