How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew in the Garden

Powdery mildew is a fungus that grows in damp, cool locations. It creates a powdery film on foliage and fruit and is unattractive, but can also damage some plants. The defense against powdery mildew is to grow hardy, disease-resistant plant varieties and create ideal growing conditions for plants. Powdery mildew, however, is a sign that something isn't right in the garden. If you have powdery mildew on the lawn, leave it and let it run its course; it won't hurt the lawn. You can take measures to prevent its occurrence.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Biological fungicide designed for powdery mildew

Instructions

1. Thin the branches of trees that block the sun. Powdery mildew loves moist, cool conditions -- and allowing more sun through will decrease the humidity and warm the area.

2. Remove thick hedges or solid fences that block airflow to the area. This helps dry the area by increasing air circulation and is important if you have an ongoing powdery mildew problem.

3. Apply a biological fungicide to the affected area according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fungicide is a last resort, since most powdery mildew problems clear up with improved growing conditions. However, if you grow a plant for consumption, clear up powdery mildew problem quickly so your fruit or vegetable plants aren't destroyed.

References

• "Integrated Pest Management for Strawberries"; Larry Strand; June 2008
• "Pests of the Garden and Small Farm: A Grower's Guide to Using Less Pesticide, Second edition by"; Louise Flint; March 1999
• "Better Homes and Gardens Perennial Gardening"; Better Homes and Gardens; November 2010
• Kentucky State University: Lawns

Resources

• Colorado State University; Powdery Mildew; B. Edmunds; May 2009