Both experienced and novice gardeners are very aware on the problem of plant fungus. While some are completely harmless, others pose a real problem for vegetables, perennials, annuals, and even lawns. The primary culprit is, unfortunately, moisture. And because we do not live in the desert, there is no way to avoid this moisture, so other measures must be taken.
Plant Fungus Cures and Prevention
- Planting: Proper spacing when planting can help prevent fungus. When plants are crowded, they are able to retain more moisture and are thus more vulnerable to plant fungus. If using containers, wash and disinfect them before replanting.
- Aeration: Remove thatch with a metal rake to ensure there is enough air circulating to prevent spores from settling.
- Watering: Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently can help control fungus, decreasing the opportunities for mildew and mushrooms to grow. Water at the base of vegetables and annuals, like tomatoes and squash, and avoid watering the leaves. This will help prevent the growth of powdery mildew. If the leaves remain dry, mildew will have no place to grow.
- Mulch: Apply new mulch around the base of plants each growing season.
- Trim: Try to trim the lower leaves of plants to keep them off the ground.
- Quarantine: If one plant is infected, it is sometimes best to remove and quarantine the plant to prevent the fungus from spreading.
- Fungicides: Of course, one of the easiest ways to control plant fungus is with the right tools, like Bonide Infuse. That is where Ace comes in! Ace Hardware & Hearth in Glen Burnie and Pasadena, and Ace Home & Leisure in Edgewater carry a wide selection of garden supplies, including Bonide Infuse. It absorbs into the plant, preventing major diseases – like black spot, dollar spot, rust, brown patch, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and more – on roses, flowers, lawns, trees and shrubs.
Stay alert and treat plant fungus as soon as it happens, preventing it from spreading.