Powdery mildew is a foliar disease feared by many gardeners that is spread via a fungus. Since powdery mildew can even lead to the death of the plant if the infestation is very severe, preventive measures are recommended. With the tips and tricks on this page, you can use simple means to prevent the dirty film from forming on your plants.
Plants can also be sprayed preventively
Helpful Measures
Spray plants preventively
Self-made remedies are suitable for this
- milk and water
- baking soda and water
- field horsetail
- nettle manure
- or garlic
Note: The plant broths mentioned above contain substances that strengthen the plants' defences. They not only counteract the development of the dreaded powdery mildew, but also serve as a gentle alternative to chemical agents if the fungus has already taken root on the leaves.
Thoughtful planting
- ask your nursery about resistant plant varieties
- keep sufficient distance when planting
- ensure there is sufficient sunlight and good air circulation
- place susceptible plants next to suitable neighbors, for example basil, foxglove, chervil or chives
- attract natural predators like ladybugs
maintenance
- use low-nitrogen fertilizers
- follow the fertilizer dosage instructions
- fertilize with biological means if possible and do not use artificial fertilizers
- Do not water plants in the evening
- never water from above, do not pour water directly on the leaves
- Avoid waterlogging when watering
- enrich the soil with compost in spring
- Humus provides the plants with many nutrients and thus strengthens their defenses
- Check plants regularly for symptoms
avoid spreading
To protect other plants from powdery mildew, you should discard affected plants at the first sign of an infestation. Under no circumstances should you just throw the cut branches on the compost. The diseased shoots belong in the garbage if they are sealed airtight. Clear your garden of weeds regularly. This offers the fungus that is introduced an optimal breeding ground to multiply.
Attention: Vegetable plants often suffer from powdery mildew because there are still old fruits such as potatoes under the ground that were overlooked during harvest. If these germinate again, the risk of pest growth increases. Hook your beds carefully and collect last year's forgotten harvest.