Question
I recently planted some annuals in containers.  Shortly after planting the annuals, my area was plagued with two straight weeks of rain and wind storms.  Upon returning to my garden, I found many of the plants leaves had been ripped off by the winds.  Many of the plants, including the heliotrope, the salvia, the coleus and the basil had large black splotches on most of the leaves.  Could this be from too much water due to the storms, or from wind damage, or from not enough water (It was far too windy for 3 days in a row to consider going outside)?  What should I do to help my plants look nice again?

Thanks,
Adam (Iowa City)

Answer
sounds like they either dried out (dark brown spots) or have a fungus(black spots w/strands). get to a local garden center/nursery to see what they recommend for fungus treatment in your area. take a few damaged leaves w/you in a sealed plastic bag for them to ID the problem. they may recover on their own. buy a good granular fertilizer(i like plantone by espoma) and sprinkle it over the ground in the beds. the rain will do the rest.