Safe Organic Gardening Solutions For Diseases and Pests

Powdery Mildew is a common problem here often appearing first as a light haze on the leaves of squash, cucumber and sunflowers. 

A first step to avoiding this is to water via drip irrigation, or slowly at the base of plants to avoid getting the leaves wet. I use drip hoses which also controls my water usage better.

If you're diligent about checking your garden you may be able to eliminate diseases at first sight.

Mix 1 tablespoon of each of the following: vegetable oil, yellow dish soap (blue and green contain higher concentrations of petroleum) and baking soda in one gallon of warm water. Thoroughly spray the entire plant, under leaves and stems as well.

I tend to repeat this for two more days, longer when humidity is high.

If the mildew is heavier than a soft dusting remove the infected plant GENTLY to avoid sending all those spores through the air to neighboring plants. Do not add this to your home compost.

I use a cardboard box to contain and isolate it until its goes into the green waste barrel for EDCO. Their method of composting reaches temperatures capable of killing all micro organisms. Tobacco Mosaic Virus is a disappointing discovery especially if you've paid a lot for those tomato and eggplant seedlings. This is often a result of the plants being handled by someone who has tobacco in their system, a lack of crop rotation in your garden or a survival through the winter.

You can try the above recipe if it is in the earliest stage, but generally is too late and has already entered the circulatory system of the plant.

Again, isolate and discard to the green barrel. If you purchased it, just take a sample from the leaves showing the mosaic pattern in a plastic bag to where you purchased it for a refund. Heirlooms are the rage these days and often are already genetically adapted to resisting some of these diseases.

Due to Genetic Hybridizing you can find some varieties that are still organic and are promoted to being disease resistant. Happy shopping for numerous varieties!

Insecticides such as 'Safer' brands and 'Organiside' are a good alternative these days due to the testing and proven ability to eliminate severe populations.

Remember that these products will also kill the good bugs. SPOT SPRAY is the best method in using these. Planting companions such as onions, basil, carrot, cucumber and parsley will repel the bad guys and provide food and shelter for the good guys like Green Lace Wings.

With the first sighting: Aphids can be hosed off with a strong spray, White Fly as well can be hosed off the underside of leaves early in the morning. Caterpillars have been a pest here in considerable numbers the past few years, and I regularly spray BT throughout the season.

Check out companionplanting.net for an easy resource.

The most effective control program for home gardening uses a combination of practices to avoid diseases. Planting resistant varieties, rotating plantings to new location yearly, weed and insect control, removal of diseased plants, proper fall clean up, proper watering methods, wider rows and plant spacing for air circulation.

Alternating crop varieties and companion planting can also assist. Have Fun in the dirt! Share your tips in the comments below.