How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew

Ah, powdery mildew; the bain of a gardener’s existence. This white, powdery film is the product of a fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants growing in warm, dry climates. Now, you might be wondering how to get rid of powdery mildew, which we’ll get to. But first, let’s talk about a few other important details you should store in your memory bank so you can spot powdery mildew from a mile away (and before it severely harms your plants).

A Few Things You Should Know About Powdery Mildew...

Where it comes from

Powdery mildew travel as spores from plant to plant via wind and is more likely to occur in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. They can also spread through insects and water run-off and be present indoors or out. Dormant spores in old, vegetative materials can cause new outbreaks, so dispose of any infected portions immediately!

What plants are most susceptible to it

While most plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, certain species of plants are known to fall victim more often than others. These include (but are not limited to):

• Tomatoes
• Eggplants
• Peppers
• Legumes
• Melons
• Squash
• Pumpkins
• Cucumbers
• Crab Apple Trees
• Lilacs

What happens to your plants if powdery mildew is left untreated

Not only can powdery mildew cause disfigurement and discoloration to the affected areas, but when severe enough, this pesky mildew can even affect the quality and quantity of plant, fruit, and vegetable growth.

Luckily, identifying powdery mildew is simple. Once the spores reach the plant, they spread to create the infamous film of white, powdery residue, typically beginning its growth as white spots. You could say it even looks as if your plants have been dusted with flour! It’s typically found looming on the upper part of leaves, stems, and the fruit or vegetable itself. It’s also more common to find powdery mildew in shady areas than sunnier spots, so plant wisely!

3 Steps for How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew

1. Remove Infected Leaves & Stems

If powdery mildew has taken over your plants, it’s best to first remove any infected portions, immediately throwing them away rather than composting them. This will help prevent spores from spreading to other plants or future outbreaks from occurring. For cannabis growers wondering how to get rid of powdery mildew before flowering, you’ll be glad to know you don’t have to come up with any crazy concoctions! As long as the plant or bud is not infected yet, simply use a garden-safe insecticide/fungicide!

2. Apply an Organic Fungicide

Once you’ve removed all infected portions, apply a garden safe fungicide to all plants. Our ORGANOCIDE® BEE SAFE 3-in-1 Organic Garden Spray is the only insecticide, fungicide, and miticide that is safe for Beneficial Bugs, pollinators, children, and pets, making it easy to get rid of powdery mildew without harming your garden’s ecosystem.

3. Follow Up With Preventative Care

Want a garden that gets better with age? Then you need a preventative care plan! This can include routine, weekly checks of your plants to be sure there are no sap-sucking invertebrates, fungal diseases, or any other unwelcome guests lingering in your garden. Use organic pesticides and fungicides as instructed, and long before disease or insects have a chance to do any damage. Our ORGANOCIDE® BEE SAFE 3-in-1 Organic Garden Spray can help remove fungus and keep invasive insects from damaging your crop!

When it comes to bee safety, Organic Labs doesn’t mess around. From helpful videos to keep you in the loop to social sharing on Facebook and Instagram that keep you inspired, Organic Labs garden safe products are the safe and natural solution to put your powdery mildew worries to bed!