With peppers (and tomatoes and cucumbers and eggplants) the issue that we have to work out for is a fungus that emerges when the plant is in soil that is too wet. (I want to keep this blog jargon-free, but you can find a more scientific explanation and information here - http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbit_Phytoph.htm) This fungus can rapidly spread from the leaves to the stem to the root. Once it has attacked the roots, it is game over for your plant and you could discard it and the soil.
It isnt all Debbie Downer news today, though. There is something that you can do most of the time. Be PROACTIVE. A simple spraying of the stem and leaves with a basic fungicidal spray after heavy rains are advised. The one that I make for my peppers and tomatoes is a little different from most that you will find online since I add a little garlic oil to keep pests away. The reason? Pests seem to be able to sense the weakness of your plant and will attack like crazy. The garlic oil should keep them at bay. Try the recipe below and let me know how it works.
EASY DIY Organic FUNGICIDE SPRAY
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Baking Soda- 1 tablespoon of dish detergent (an organic soap is ideal if you are going to be eating the plants in question)
- 1 tablespoon of garlic oil
- 1 Gallon of water
Directions:
Simply mix the ingredients together and add to a sprayer. Spray directly to the tops and bottoms of leaves and stems after heavy rains. Should also be used at least once a week whether yall have had heavy rains or not.Will update with images these evening.
Enjoy!
- Monti
(Updated on May 30th, 2013 to add image)
No comments:
Post a Comment