Container gardens can be beautiful and a lot of work.  One of the most common problems that can occur is root rot.  Although: more common among indoor plants, root rot can occur in both indoor and outdoor plants.  To prevent it, you must know what causes root rot.  It's simple.  Overwatering causes root rot and is usually lethal to any plant.  Excess water makes it difficult for a plant to get the air it needs.  To avoid root rot is the only way to prevent it.  Make sure to use a well-drained container and loose soil as fungal pathogens make root rot worse.  Using heavy soil dug up from the ground is not recommended.  You can find potting soil in the garden section at any home improvement store.  Root rot is caused by water mould which thrives where there is excess water.  These mould spores are not airborne but can be carried through the pot by insects and other arthropods.  Thus: infecting the entire container.  Plants with root rot should be disposed.  And, more often than not, plants do not survive the problem.  Can you cure your sick plant before it succumbs?  Possibly.  Next week we will walk you through steps that will help you save you plants with root rot.