Dealing With Fungus

Posted by Ena on September 17th, 2007 filed in Garden Diseases

You have just been out in your garden
and you have noticed that your once lovely
bushes are looking dull and some are even
yellowing and wilting.

Not what you want to see!

If you know that you have been taking proper care
of them, then there is another cause, FUNGUS!

Most fungi love wet conditions, and overwatering can
produce these conditons.
If the soil your bush is planted in doesn’t drain well
and water stands too long at the base and around its
roots, then your bush is at risk for developing water
mold root rot( sounds ominous!).
This condition is caused by a variety of fungi.

The fungi starts at the root, and unfortunately works
it’s way up the plant.
This can be a quick or slow process, depending on the
conditions. You may possibly see discoloration at the
root of the plant and it’s stems. This is where the infected
plant tissue meets the healthy tissue.

There is no cure for this disease.

If your bush gets infected, there is no alternative
but to discard it.
You can , however, practice prevention.
Make sure the area for planting, drains properly.
Good drainage will prevent the wet conditions
that fungi love. Add soil amendments as needed.

You can control many fungi with sprays that
can be made from household ingredients, here
are a few;
Basic Soda Spray

2 tablespoons baking soda
1 gallon water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil/car wax.

Mix together and spray as necessary.

Soda Spray For Rust.

2 tablespoons baking soda
1 gallon water
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons kelp extract

Mix together and use as necessary.

Vinegar.

Use apple cider vinegar.
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 gallon water

Mix vinegar and water together, spray on
plants, being sure to do so in the morning
so the plant has time to dry out. Repeat
as necessary.

The vinegar spray is also good for blackspot

Tip:

Keep watering evergreens up until freezing. Even
though growth is slowing down in autumn,
the roots are still actively taking up water and
nutrients.