How to deal with fungal diseases on plants

While it may be tempting to just toss out an infected plant, you might want to see if you can treat it first. If it's a fungal disease you're dealing with, consider an eco-friendly solution to eradicate it. These earth-wise sprays will help keep various fungal diseases under control. For each one, decant the solution into a spray bottle and shake well before using. Here are some useful tips on dealing with fungal diseases in your garden.

• Cover 90 grams (three ounces) of chopped garlic with vegetable oil and add one litre (four cups) soapy water. Let stand for a day or so and then strain. Use one part solution to 50 parts water to treat fungal disease.
• Pour boiling water over fresh or dried chamomile flowers (or use a chamomile tea bag). Allow to steep, then cool. Use this herbal tea to treat fungal disease.
• Dilute 250 millilitres (one cup) of whole milk (or milk powder) with 2.25 litres (nine cups) of water and use it as a spray for downy or powdery mildew.
• During the growing season, make your own powdery mildew spray by adding five grams (one teaspoon) of baking soda to one litre (four cups) water. Apply every three to four days until the problem is brought under control. Then spray on roses every few weeks while the weather is hot and humid.

• A fungal disease, black spot disfigures roses and will lead to excessive leaf drop if it is not controlled.
• Plant roses in full sun, not too close to trees and shrubs, leaving enough room between the plants to provide adequate air movement.
• Cover the ground over the root area with five to eight centimetres (two to three inches) of organic mulch.
• Regularly check for any diseased leaves around the base of the plant. Pick them up and dispose of them.
• Also, avoid overhead watering, particularly late in the day.
• When roses are dormant in winter, spray with a clean-up fungicide such as lime sulphur. Spray immediately after pruning, before new growth occurs.