Strawberries rank high in the prey pattern for powdery mildew. The fungal spores mercilessly attack blossoms, leaves and fruits. How to effectively fight the disease on strawberry plants is no longer hidden from you here.

Properly diagnosing powdery mildew

If the mercury column rises to 18 degrees Celsius and higher, the mildew spores find ideal conditions. They spread explosively in the garden, not sparing strawberries. You can recognize an infection by these symptoms:

  • On the undersides of the leaves, a white lawn of fungus is spreading
  • the foliage quickly turns red-brown to violet
  • later the leaves curl up
  • white powdery mildew develops on the fruit

The infected strawberries do not ripen. Rather, they rot under the white patina. At this stage, healing is no longer to be expected, so you should part with the plants. Before that, however, you have plenty of means of combating it at your disposal.

Combat powdery mildew on strawberries naturally

Nobody wants chemical fungicides in their food. Thus, environmentally and health-conscious gardeners decide for the following biological control of powdery mildew on strawberries:

  • Immediately remove all infected plant parts
  • spray repeatedly with a milk-water solution in a ratio of 1:4
  • alternatively administer a natural preparation based on neem oil

The following recipe for a spray made from purely natural ingredients is a talking point: 1 tablespoon of baking soda (soda) and 15 milliliters of curd soap and vegetable oil are mixed with 2 liters of water. Apply to affected strawberry plants every 3-4 days until powdery mildew disappears.

Effective prevention

Hobby gardeners already have an extensive arsenal of effective procedures at their disposal in advance, so that mildew does not attack the lovingly tended strawberry plants in the first place.

  • Value an airy planting distance
  • weed regularly and consistently
  • avoid nitrogen-rich fertilization
  • do not pour over flowers and leaves

Since the cunning fungal spores of powdery mildew in the leaves overwinter on the ground, you should dispose of all clippings after cutting in the fall.

tips and tricks

In mixed cultures, your strawberries receive valuable protection if plants are planted there that counteract fungal spores. Strong candidates include garlic, lettuce and marigolds. Make sure there is sufficient planting distance so that the strawberries are not shaded by their neighbors.

Category:

Vegetable garden