Mildew is a particularly feared enemy of all gardeners. Because the fungus severely damages plants and leads to crop failure, it makes sense to combat it on the infected plants. However, powdery mildew in particular often lasts a long time in the garden.
Do I also have to treat the soil if I have mildew?
If you have mildew infestation, you also have to pay attention toFungal spores in the soil. Mildew also reaches the upper parts of the earth through wind and rain. Especially with downy mildew, your plants can become reinfected through rain splashes from infected soil.
When do I have to treat the soil for mildew?
The right treatmentdepends on various factors. Only downy mildew overwinters in the soil and therefore poses a problem. Powdery mildew cannot overwinter in the soil. It is therefore sufficient to remove all affected parts of the plant from the ground in a timely manner. Due to their specialization in some plants, annual vegetables and proper crop rotation do not require you to carry out any measures for the coming season. For all perennial plants, whether ornamental plants or berry bushes, the soil must be treated preventively.
How do I treat the soil for mildew?
In the event of downy mildew infestation, it is optimal to replace thesoil around the plants This will prevent new infections caused by fungal spores from the soil. If this is too time-consuming, you can also treat the floor with home remedies. To do this, first remove all fallen plant parts on the ground. Then treat the soil several times with a garlic decoction. After treatment, mulch the soil around your plants. This means that spores cannot reach your plants with the spray water.
What to do with the soil in the greenhouse if there is mildew?
With the greenhouse you can do the same as with outdoor plants and treat or replace the soil. After thoroughly cleaning the greenhouse, choose germ-free soil from specialist retailers or coconut fiber as a preventive measure. If you decide to mulch, make sure the greenhouse is properly ventilated to prevent the mulch from becoming moldy.
Tip
Cover the earth
Mulching the soil can be done at any time. It has even been proven to prevent mildew fungi. The best time is in spring, before the fungi spread on the plants. Lawn clippings that are applied compactly at least three centimeters thick around the plants are particularly suitable for existing infestations.
