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Powder mildew on Monarda "Bee Balm"

Posted by Carolyn Frazier,
North Country explorer from Massena, New York
August 4, 2014 —

Weeding in my flower garden today, I discovered powdery mildew on some of the Monarda. In the past I have sprinkled Sevin Dust on them but now would like to find a more organic remedy to rid the yearly appearance.

Comments

Erika Barthelmess

Hi Carolyn,

Unfortunately, the picture didn't post. I looked up some suggestions for organic treatment of powdery mildew, and got the following from Organic Gardening magazine (http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/powdery-mildew).

1. Try a cow's milk solution. Mix 1 part milk with 9 parts water and spray the stems and tops of leaves with the solution. Reapply after rain.

2. Baking soda: Spraying leaves with baking soda (1 teaspoon in 1 quart water) raises the pH, creating an inhospitable environment for powdery mildew.

Neither of these is indicated as a cure, but should slow the growth of the fungus. If you try either, let us know how it works out!

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