Use common kitchen staple to prevent serious plant disease - it only costs 65p
With the arrival of autumn and its increased humidity, powdery mildew may start affecting various plants. Prevent serious issues by implementing a simple DIY hack.
White, dusty patches on plants could be a sign of a fungal disease known as powdery mildew.
This disease can impact a wide range of plants including roses, rhododendrons and honeysuckle.
Fortunately, you can tackle this issue with a simple solution using common kitchen items that are affordable and you likely already have at home.
Simply combine one tablespoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of liquid soap in one gallon of water, and spray this mixture onto the plants showing symptoms.
This treatment will help curb the spread of the mildew. For optimal effectiveness, apply the solution on a dry day and reapply it weekly.
Timothy Greene from iCANLAWN previously explained why it’s also important to get rid of the piles of leaves which will be covering lawns across the country soon.
The expert said: “Many trees have now shed their leaves and left a blanket across gardens. While the autumnal colours look nice, when the leaves get wet this is bad news for grass.
“This is because once the rain soaks into the leaves they add an extra layer of moisture to the lawn. The water can then saturate the grass underneath, preventing oxygen from getting to it and damaging its growth.
“It can even mean fungal diseases begin to form. Ideally, you want to give your grass plenty of room to breathe, and that means keeping it clear of leaves, moss and debris.
“To combat this issue it’s a good idea to rake the lawn regularly to clear away any leaves and debris - just don’t do it while the grass is soaking wet.
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“Spring seems far away at the moment but small jobs such as clearing leaves and debris can make a major impact once the colder months disappear and we look forward to new growth.”
Gardeners should also keep on top of regular raking, giving the garden tidy-ups until trees have shed all their leaves.
The lawn expert also said to avoid raking the lawn while it’s soaking wet as this could damage the grass.
The pro added: “The rake is also likely to get stuck in the soggy soil, which will damage it. Instead, wait until it’s dry underfoot and you can clear away anything that’s covering your grass.”
