Protect Your Plants From Powdery Mildew

After you spend hours and hours planting and pruning your yard or garden, you want your plants to stay strong and healthy all season long. Unfortunately, fungus and mildew can bring your hard work to a grinding halt; and the most common of these is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that covers stems, leaves, flower petals and fruit with a grayish-white powder. The fungus is not considered fatal on its own, but it does weaken infected plants’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to other serious diseases. There are many ways to prevent powdery mildew, but first, it is important to know which plants are most at-risk.

Powdery mildew infects over 1,000 different types of plants. Some commonly infected plants are trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and turf. Plants in areas covered by shade or plagued with poor air circulation will suffer the most if infected with powdery mildew, but plants in warm, dry, sunny conditions can also be infected.

To prevent your plants from falling ill to powdery mildew, keep thick plants pruned and thinned to increase air circulation and sunlight. Do not over fertilize your trees or shrubs in the summer. Too much fertilization can cause lush growth, which is the perfect condition for fungus and mildew. It is best to fertilize in the fall after the leaves have changed colors or fallen off the tree.

If the above tips don’t help, Ferti-Lome™ carries a wide variety of products, both chemical and non-chemical, to treat and prevent powdery mildew. If a plant is severely infected, it may be necessary to alternate between products for a complete treatment. Ferti-Lome™ has products specifically for fruits, berries and vegetables, as well as a preventative product that can be sprayed early in the season to stop powdery mildew before it starts.

For more information about how to keep your plants mildew-free this summer, visit your local Joe’s Market Basket. We carry multiple Ferti-Lome™ products, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best product for your plants. Stop into one of our conveniently located stores in Edwardsville, Godfrey, Troy, O’Fallon and now St. Peters, Missouri. Visit our website at www.joesmarketbasket.com for more information. Let us help you keep your garden protected this summer!