Powdery mildew, a common ailment in the garden, appears, as the name suggests, as dusty, white to gray coating on the surface of leaves or other plant parts. Powdery mildew begins as small, circular, powdery white spots. As these spots expand, they will coalesce, producing a continuous mat of mildew. Root rot is another fungal disease that can be very destructive in gardens. Save money, save your health and keep your garden safe from unneeded chemicals by using organic methods of fungus control in your garden.

Powdery Mildew

1.Mix 1 part milk to 9 parts water in the sprayer.

2.Spray on powdery-mildew affected plants in the early morning.

3.Apply twice a week until mildew disappears. Research has demonstrated milk to be as effective as chemical fungicides formulated for powdery mildew.

Root Rot

1.Sprinkling cornmeal around the base of the plants affected by root rot. Root rot disease can be caused by fungi like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Pytophthora and Fusarium.

2.Apply in early spring for best results, but the cornmeal is effective year round.

3.Work the cornmeal into the soil, if you prefer, although it is not necessary. Water well. The cornmeal stimulates the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms that fight off disease.