Dealing With Fungus

Posted by Ena Clewes
September 17th, 2007
Filed in Garden Pests and Diseases
Tags: fungus, herbicides, leaf mold

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.

Cold winter winds can cause dehydration in plants starved for moisture.

meet you on the garden path