Post by Shawn on Jul 24, 2018 7:39:42 GMT -5
In the Farmers Almanac email I receive here is an article about Powdery Mildew.
Full Article:
Powdery Mildew Remedies for PlantsHere is a Homemade Baking Soda Spray
Many of these remedies include baking soda. Just be aware that baking soda can burn plants and it can build up in your soil and cause deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and iron. Potassium bicarbonate can be substituted for baking soda. Test these sprays on a small area first to make sure they do not damage your plants.
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 gallon of water.
Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons of Murphy’s oil soap in 1 gallon of water.
Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Be sure to test this first because vinegar can burn plants.
Neem is an organic fungicide. Follow instructions on the label.
Mix 1 part milk with 10 parts water.
Some folks swear by mouthwash as an effective fungicide but it is not organic. They recommend 1 cup mouthwash to 3 cups of water.
To keep the fungi from developing a resistance to your homemade spray it is recommended that you alternate remedies each week. Use baking soda one week and milk the next. Whether spraying with water or a home remedy, do it early in the day so the leaves can have a chance to dry before evening.
When adding new plants to your flower beds look for mildew resistant varieties. Don’t over-fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers since soft new growth is very susceptible to infection. Space plants far enough apart to promote good air circulation. If infection starts in lower leaves, snip them off. Make sure plants get enough direct sunlight. Prevention is the best medicine!
Many of these remedies include baking soda. Just be aware that baking soda can burn plants and it can build up in your soil and cause deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and iron. Potassium bicarbonate can be substituted for baking soda. Test these sprays on a small area first to make sure they do not damage your plants.
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 gallon of water.
Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons of Murphy’s oil soap in 1 gallon of water.
Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Be sure to test this first because vinegar can burn plants.
Neem is an organic fungicide. Follow instructions on the label.
Mix 1 part milk with 10 parts water.
Some folks swear by mouthwash as an effective fungicide but it is not organic. They recommend 1 cup mouthwash to 3 cups of water.
To keep the fungi from developing a resistance to your homemade spray it is recommended that you alternate remedies each week. Use baking soda one week and milk the next. Whether spraying with water or a home remedy, do it early in the day so the leaves can have a chance to dry before evening.
When adding new plants to your flower beds look for mildew resistant varieties. Don’t over-fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers since soft new growth is very susceptible to infection. Space plants far enough apart to promote good air circulation. If infection starts in lower leaves, snip them off. Make sure plants get enough direct sunlight. Prevention is the best medicine!
Again, the Source is Famers Almanac Email.