How Plant Healthy are you?

How much do you know about protecting our plants from harmful pests and diseases?

Take our quick plant health quiz for your chance to win a prize:

  • A year’s RHS Membership
  • A signed copy of Pippa Greenwood’s book
  • Plus, a signed copy of Adam Frost’s book
  • A set of informative postcards

QUESTION 1 / 6

You’ve bought a new plant for your garden - what should you do? 

That’s Correct!

Why? Some plant pests and diseases aren’t immediately visible. Checking (and ideally keeping new plants separate for a short time) helps prevent problems spreading to the rest of your garden.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: Check it carefully for pests and diseases before planting.

Why? Some plant pests and diseases aren’t immediately visible. Checking (and ideally keeping new plants separate for a short time) helps prevent problems spreading to the rest of your garden.

QUESTION 2 / 6

You’re planning a visit to a forest or green space - how do you avoid spreading plant pests and diseases?  

That’s Correct!

Why? Soil can carry tiny plant pests and diseases. Always arrive clean and leave clean. This will reduce the chance of accidentally spreading harmful plant pests and diseases to new areas.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: Clean soil off your footwear, bikes, and buggies before and after your visit.

Why? Soil can carry tiny plant pests and diseases. Always arrive clean and leave clean. This will reduce the chance of accidentally spreading harmful plant pests and diseases to new areas.

QUESTION 3 / 6

Asian longhorn beetle
You spot this beetle on a small tree that you bought recently. What’s your first step? 

That’s Correct!

Why? This is an example of a non-native insect pest, the Asian longhorn beetle. It has the potential to cause serious damage to many broadleaved trees. This actually happened in Kent in 2012 when over 2000 trees had to be felled to eradicate the beetle. Early action by telling the relevant plant health authorities about unusual plant pests or diseases can stop a small issue becoming a big problem.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: Photograph it (and trap it if you can) and immediately report it to the plant health authorities.

Why? This is an example of a non-native insect pest, the Asian longhorn beetle. It has the potential to cause serious damage to many broadleaved trees. This actually happened in Kent in 2012 when over 2000 trees had to be felled to eradicate the beetle. Early action by telling the relevant plant health authorities about unusual plant pests or diseases can stop a small issue becoming a big problem.

QUESTION 4 / 6

Why shouldn’t you bring plants, cuttings, bulbs or seeds home from abroad? 

That’s Correct!

Why? Plants, seeds and cuttings from abroad might be carrying harmful non-native pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to our gardens and wider countryside.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: They might be carrying harmful plant pests or They might be carrying harmful plant pests or diseases diseases.

Why? Plants, seeds and cuttings from abroad might be carrying harmful non-native pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to our gardens and wider countryside.

QUESTION 5 / 6

What’s the best thing you can do when sourcing new plants, bulbs and seeds? 

That’s Correct!

Why? Buying plants from trusted, reputable suppliers, including those who are Plant Healthy certified, reduces the risk of harmful pests and diseases entering your garden.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: Buy from trusted, reputable suppliers based in the UK .

Why? Buying plants from trusted, reputable suppliers, including those who are Plant Healthy certified, reduces the risk of harmful pests and diseases entering your garden.

QUESTION 6 / 6

When you buy plants, bulbs or seeds online, what should you be aware of? 

That’s Correct!

Why? You may not know that the plants and seeds you are buying are coming direct to your home from overseas sellers and may carry hidden plant pests or diseases. These can spread quickly in our gardens, and the wider countryside causing serious damage. Buy plants, bulbs and seeds from UK-based businesses.

Sorry, that’s incorrect. The correct answer is: They might be coming direct from abroad and could be carrying harmful pests or diseases that aren’t present in the UK.

Why? You may not know that the plants and seeds you are buying are coming direct to your home from overseas sellers and may carry hidden plant pests or diseases. These can spread quickly in our gardens, and the wider countryside causing serious damage. Buy plants, bulbs and seeds from UK-based businesses.

YOUR RESULT

Plant Healthy Champion!

You’re a biosecurity superstar helping protect gardens, woodlands, and crops. Your choices matter. Together, we can be Plant Healthy.

Plant Protector

You’re on the right track! A few small improvements and you’ll be champion level. Your choices matter. Together, we can be Plant Healthy.

Budding Biosecurity Beginner

Great start! With a little more awareness, you’ll help keep plants healthy everywhere. Your choices matter. Together, we can be Plant Healthy.

Time for a Plant Health Boost!

Don’t worry — now’s the perfect time to grow your plant health knowledge. Your choices matter. Together, we can be Plant Healthy.

Thanks for taking part!

Enter our exclusive RHS Chelsea Flower Show competition
One lucky winner will receive a year’s RHS membership, a signed copy of Pippa Greenwood’s book, a signed copy of Adam Frost’s book and a set of informative postcards from the Animal & Plant Health Agency.

Agree to Terms 
Sign-up to mailing list