As the growing season progresses, keep an eye out for a white or grayish-white powder on your plants. That’s powdery mildew, a fungus that affects a wide range of fruits, vegetables and flowers, coating their leaves, stems, blossoms and, in severe cases, entire plants. It isn’t pretty. Some plants are more susceptible, with hydrangeas, lilacs, phlox and peonies being the most common targets.
As soon as you spot the disease’s telltale powdery coating, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash; don’t leave them lying around because their spores will continue to infect nearby plants. If the disease has progressed beyond a few leaves or you’re starting to notice an escalation of symptoms, apply horticultural or Neem oil according to package instructions.
Powdery mildew usually appears in spring or early summer. Although it thrives in warm, humid conditions, it is also found in cooler climates. Easy, non-chemical practices can go a long way toward preventing infections wherever you are. • Seek out and plant resistant plant varieties, if available. • Ensure that sun-loving plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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