Powdery Mildew
by Rob Sproule
The kind of problems a garden has depends on the weather. A hot, dry summer will lead to a set of problems that is totally different from a cool, cloudy, wet summer. Different types of plants will thrive, different types of critters will nibble your leaves, and different diseases will threaten to run rampant.
We don’t know what the weather will be for the rest of the summer, but at the very least we know it will be lush and fairly damp. If the sun comes out for a couple of weeks and dries us out, the issues below won’t be as serious.
On the Lawns: Mildew
Wet, cool weather plays havoc on lawns in areas with poor air movement. Watch the parts of your lawn that are between houses, sheltered, or partially in the shade. If the blades stay wet overnight, when the air cools, fungus is likely to set in.
Powdery mildew looks like a white power sprinkled on the lawn. It’s unsightly but it probably won’t kill the lawn. It will spread, however, so be careful when you mow.
Improve the air circulation if possible and definitely don’t water. If the problem persists, you may need to apply a sulfur and/or copper based fungicide. Never apply move than the label recommends; it won’t get rid of it faster and may cause more problems.
