With the rain and warm temperatures we’ve beening having, your vegetables are likely growing really well and look great! However, if you have started to notice any spots or molds on your plants, here is a bit of info that can help you.
Leaf spot is a very common disease of tomatoes and can affect other plants such as potatoes and eggplant. The fungus lives on the fallen plant debris and weeds that are on and in the soil. It is spread to the plants by both water and wind, usually splashing up on the plants from the soil. Damp conditions are the most favorable for leaf spot to develop and that’s when you should be most watchful. If caught early, it can be controlled. The disease can develop at any stage in the plant’s life. If leaf spot is noticed, remove the infected leaves immediately. Fungicides containing copper will help prevent the spreading of the disease.
King Eco-Way Fungicide powder is for potatoes, tomatoes and veggies – is Canadian made and eco-friendly. Comes in a shaker bottle for easy dispensing or mix with water and use a hand sprayer to apply. It contains copper and will control a variety of blights, leaf spots, molds and mildews on a wide mix of vegetable plants. It can be used up to 1 day before harvest.
Bordo Copper powder has the same function – and can also be mixed with water for easy application on
plants.
A few ways to help prevent leaf spot are:
- Use a disease free/certified seed to start with.
- Start with a clean uncluttered garden. The fungus does not remain in the soil over the winter, but it can find refuge on the debris of diseased plants.
- Avoid over head watering as this will enable the disease to quickly spread by splashing. Water the base of the plant only.
- Provide room for air circulation.Leave some space between your plants so there is good airflow.
- A layer of mulch will prevent spores on the ground from splashing up onto the lower leaves.
Enjoy those veggies!