Organic Gardening - How to Control Plant Disease Organically
Often, people think there is little they can do to control plant disease
in organic gardens. With an organic garden, you can't apply fungicides to
eliminate disease problems. However, there's plenty you can do to organically
promote and maintain healthy, productive plants.
The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is popular
in the world of disease control, in both the animal and the plant world.
It takes on a real meaning in organic gardening, as many of the disease control
methods focus on healthy plants and avoiding diseases.
Organic Disease Control Methods:
Here are some methods you can use to organically ward off and fight disease
problems with your plants:
Promote healthy plants - Healthy plants are less likely to get a disease.
If they do, they are better able to fight the disease...and win.
Create the ideal environment - Lots of sunlight, good air
circulation, low humidity. Many plant diseases thrive in just the opposite
conditions.
Trim bushy plants - Many plant diseases hide and thrive in the dark
recesses of bushy plants.
Insect control - Insects pick up tiny disease spores on their feet,
and transport them from plant to plant.
Lime/Sulfur/Copper Sulfate sprays - these naturally occurring
minerals are effective against a variety of plant diseases. Copper sulfate
is a good organic alternative to chemical fungicides, for treating powdery
mildew.
Crop Rotation - Plants disease can harbor over winter in your
soil. Rotating crops will help to eliminate this problem.
Clean Tools - Disease can be picked up on your pruning shears and
scissors. As you snip off a branch or twig, the open wound is a great entryway
for disease.
More on Organic Gardening:
Organic garden seeds - the all important starting
point
Organic garden soil and soil amendments
Organic fertilizers
Organic insect repellents/insect control
Organic disease control
Related Topics:
About the USDA
Buy Organic Seeds and Supplies - Seeds, fertilizer,
fish emulsion, repellents, and more.
Make your ownorganic fertilizer. The Compact ComposTumbler converts
kitchen and yard waste into, rich, organic compost. It's all part of the
"Go Green" movement.
Buy a Composter now
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