Grow Healthy Roses by Controlling Powdery Mildew
Use this easy, non-toxic, natural method to prevent and control powdery mildew/fungus on your roses.
Steps
- Water thoroughly and spray the roses with plain water first.
- Pour one heap or 4 teaspoons of baking soda into one gallon of water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid (or a teaspoon of flea dog shampoo) to help the mixture "stick" or "stay-put" and a few drops of baby oil. Mix thoroughly, and mix again if you set it down for awhile.
- Pour into a pump spray bottle and spray your rose foliage with this mixture. Repeat once or twice a month to prevent fungus growth.
- Works best if you spray in the morning or evening, not during the day under full sun.
Tips
- This non-toxic mixture works for just about any plant prone to fungus, including garden vegetables and fruits.
- This mixture also discourages Japanese beetles and other pests from infesting and eating your roses and plants.
- You can add about 1/4 teaspoon of water-soluble plant food (such as Miracle-Gro brand) to the mixture to feed the plants at the same time as treating them.
Warnings
- Untreated rose plants are likely to drop their leaves and perish.
- Over-spraying on roses will cause them to turn black and will further wither.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid or dog flea shampoo
- Baby oil
- Spray bottle
