Garden Mildew: Strategies for Control and Removal

Are your beloved garden plants covered in an annoying white powder? That's plant mildew. Mildew affects over three hundred varieties of plants. But don't worry, mildew is rarely fatal. Most gardeners will be affected by mildew at one time or another. The best garden mildew strategies combine environmental control practices and removal treatments.

Mildew Symptoms

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white to gray powder on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit of infected plants. Different types of fungi infect different types of plans but they are all similar in appearance. The mildew can cause leaves to yellow and drop, deformities, and eventual plant decline on more susceptible plants. Other plants, such as Lilac, survive with little damage and infections may be safely ignored.

Mildew Control

Mildew thrives in cool, damp locations with little air circulation. Mildew can usually be controlled with good environmental practices.

--First, buy only healthy plants. Unhealthy plants are more susceptible to all kinds of disease. Many varieties of mildew resistant plants are available.

--Plants susceptible to mildew should be planted in full sun. Do not crowd the plants: good air circulation will help discourage the disease. Phlox, rose, cucumber, and other plants prone to mildew should be planted where they will receive at least six hours of full sun a day.

--Prune affected plant material and destroy. Clean up around the plant by raking up any debris. Do not toss infected plant materials into your compost pile as spores never stop reproducing and survive the winter. New spores are distributed by the wind, so it is crucial to destroy infected plant material to stop mildew from spreading.

Mildew Hates Water

Unlike most fungi, mildew does not like water. A daily spray with the hose can remove mildew. Just be sure to spray when the plant will have time to dry before the evening dew so other fungal diseases, like black-spot, don't develop.

Baking Soda Mildew Control

Many gardeners use a solution of one gallon water to one teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of dish soap to control the disease. Mix in a sprayer and coat both sides of plant leaves daily. Do not leave out the dish soap as it helps the solution stick to plants. The baking soda raises the pH of the plant leaves; creating an unsuitable environment for mildew spores to grow.

Got Milk for Mildew

Milk appears to be good for plants. Scientists aren't sure how milk controls mildew but milk seems to act as a natural germicide. Use one part milk to nine parts water and spray plant surfaces weekly. Whole, skim, or any milk may be used, but a lower fat content will help reduce the chances of the spray causing odors.

Last Resort: Chemical Control

Because mildew can cause significant damage to some plants, chemical control may become necessary. There are many commercial fungicides readily available to treat mildew. Just be sure to carefully read the label to find what fungicide best suits your needs as not all chemical treatments are suited to all plants.

Combine Environmental Control and Treatment for Mildew Cure

For a complete mildew cure, address the conditions that cause it and treat existing infections. This strategy should remove mildew from your garden and keep it away for good.

Sources:

www.gardenguides.com

www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/