Powdery mildew is a fungal problem common in damp garden environments. It is characterized by the presence of a whitish, powdery growth on the surfaces of leaves, stems, and sometimes petals. While it can affect any plant, it is particularity hard on roses.

Roses are very susceptible to powdery mildew; it affects their appearance and damages the young growth. The best way to control the mildew is to control the environmental conditions. Place your plants in rich sterile soil, and give them lots of air circulation. Proper pruning and regular fertilizing will also help keep your plants healthy. At the first signs of any mildew, give your plants a little spray with an organic fungicide. You can make this yourself or pick some up at your local nursery.

The Recipe:

20ml baking soda
4 litres of water
1ml liquid soap
Clean spray bottle

Place all the ingredients into the spray bottle and mix well. Pick a calm windless day and spray your plants early in the morning or late in the evening. Saturate the entire plant but avoid spraying the flowers, as bees love to land there. Spray at the first sign of mildew problems and continue spraying weekly or until the plant recovers.

This is an excellent organic way to keep mildew out of the garden!