Lesson 3: Disease And Pest Control
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases occur in humid and excessively damp environments. Black spot, the bane of rose gardeners, along with downy and powdery mildew, can both create real damage if left unchecked. Prevention is the key to avoiding problems with these diseases. Watering in the early morning and avoiding dampening leaves late in the evening can all but eliminate fungi from your garden.
Good air circulation in and around plants is critical. When dampness gets trapped in a thicket of tangled foliage, there is little room for air to dry it out. This sets up the ideal situation for fungi to grow. This is particularly true for roses that require open central spaces to allow good air flow. All plantings vulnerable to fungal problems need to be planted with enough space around them to avoid these conditions.
The use of dormant horticultural oils on hardwood shrubs, trees and roses will help minimize this problem. A regular schedule of spraying Fall and early Spring is an integral part of good garden maintenance. Lime sulfur spray and horticultural copper can be used along with the other oils to offer a better balanced protection.
If a plant shows beginning signs of mildew, spraying with neem oil will bring it back under control and eventually kill the fungi. All of these products are safe to use on both flower and vegetables.
Keeping your garden free of debris: spent foliage, fallen fruit, and rotting vegetation, eliminates a fertile breeding ground for disease.
Sterilize any tools or garden gloves that have come in contact with infected plants. A solution of 10% bleach in hot water will effectively destroy any spores left behind. Gloves and clothing should be tossed in the washer.
By using common sense, prevention and some of the wonderful organic alternatives we now have, you create a healthier safer garden for your family to enjoy.
