| Elaine Martinez, February 25, 2005
Is their a way I can stop powderly mildew organically? I live in near the ocean in California and we are going to have our rainy season at least another month. PLEASE HELP! |
| 2/25/05 I have heard that a baking soda spray helps.
Joan Gotlibson
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| 3/1/05 Dear Elaine: Being politically correct;i.e. organic doesn't help. Powdery mildew is a fungus and a fungicide sometimes is the best way to go.You can help by planting your roses in areas of good air circulation, rake spent leaves up and cut away diseased canes. Heat does wonders. I live in Bakersfield,CA. (zone 9) . We just wait for the seemingly interminable rains to end and the Hot to begin. However,most of California's coast doesn't heat up. One other tip is to simply dig up and toss your mildew "queens". You know who they are! Replace them with reliable disease resistent roses. If you live near Paso Robles,drop by Arena Roses. There are several good nurseries on the coast, one in Arroyo Grande and several in Santa Barbara. Call me for specific names.
Gary O'Neil
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