Keep Your Garden Glowing: How to Spot & Stop Common Plant Ailments
When the weather is warm and humid—or bouncing between dry and damp—your plants can feel a little under the weather too. Just like us, they’re susceptible to sickness, and the garden “germs” they catch are often fungal diseases.
Don’t panic! The good news is that with a little know-how and the right products, you can treat many of these issues before they become a bigger garden disaster. Let’s break down the usual suspects and what you can do to stop them in their tracks:
Powdery Mildew
Looks like: A white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, or buds—almost like your plant got dusted with flour.
Loves: Warm, dry days followed by cool, humid nights.
Treatment:
Copper Fungicide – Great for prevention and early treatment.
Fung-onil – An effective fungicide that coats and protects foliage.
Pro tip: Improve air circulation by trimming dense foliage and avoid overhead watering.
Black Spot
Looks like: Dark, circular spots on leaves that turn yellow and drop prematurely—especially common on roses.
Loves: Wet, humid weather.
Treatment:
Fung-onil – A ready-to-use spray that helps fight and prevent future outbreaks.
Systemic Infuse – Absorbed by the plant to offer long-lasting protection.
Pro tip: Water at the base of the plant and clean up fallen leaves to prevent reinfection.
Rust
Looks like: Small orange, yellow, or reddish spots—almost like your plant is going for a fall look in summer.
Loves: Moist conditions and crowded plants with poor airflow.
Treatment:
Fung-onil– Spray thoroughly at the first sign.
Systemic Infuse – Protects from the inside out and keeps the rust from spreading.
Pro tip: Space your plants properly and prune to promote airflow.
Wilt
Looks like: Droopy, lifeless plants even when the soil is moist. Leaves may yellow or brown from the bottom up.
Loves: Stressful conditions like overwatering, underwatering, or extreme temps.
Treatment:
Fung-onil – Helps manage fungal wilts like Fusarium or Verticillium.
Systemic Infuse – Boosts the plant’s defenses over time.
Pro tip: Rotate crops in veggie gardens and improve soil drainage.
Why Weather Matters
This summer's flip-flopping between hot sun and surprise downpours creates the perfect storm for fungal issues. High humidity + moisture on leaves = a fungal fiesta. Keep an eye out when the weather turns soggy or steamy—it’s your cue to inspect your plants and take action early!
We've Got What You Need
Stop by the Garden Center and our knowledgeable staff will help you pick the perfect product for your plant problems—plus give you tips on how to prevent them in the future. Whether you prefer organic solutions or want something with staying power, we’ve got you (and your plants) covered.
Let’s keep those leaves lush, green, and fungus-free! 💪🌱