Cures for fungal problems

Organic Gardening in the City:

Cure for Fungal Problems

Well, it's winter now, and we have some projects that should be addressed.The turf, shrubs, and trees are now in a dormant state, resting and recuperating from the growing season. We on the Gulf Coast have had a challenging year because of the excessive amount of rainfall we have experienced. The soil is extremely moist, which creates problems with fungal diseases affecting our landscape. For example, we are seeing extensive problems with brown patch in turf grass throughout coastal areas.

I will suggest two products for prevention and cure of fungal problems. The first product is Actinovate. The beneficial soil bacteria can be extremely helpful with removing brown patch from turf grass. To improve the application, rake the brown patch area with a leaf rake and remove dead thatch. Do not use this material for bed mulch as you may contaminate other areas not affected by the fungus. Rake until you can see some of the soil. This will get air into the top level of soil which will also cause better soil health. The curative rate is 1 pound per 1000 square feet of land. On shrubbery, cultivate lightly around the base of the plant and apply 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. For those who don't understand gallon sizes, just remember that a 24" plant is approximately 5-gallon size.

After treatment, spray the turf or plants with Liquid Seaweed. This will give the grass or shrubs a much needed boost and improve appearance. Now is the time to improve the soil's health since spring is not far away. One of the most beneficial soil amendments is Humate (Leonardite Coal). Humate consists of highly electrically charged particles, which can perform miracles in your soil. These particles of carbon perform a number of essential functions in improving all soils and plant materials. They bring oxygen into soils, loosen clay, tighten sandy soils, and increase microbial life.

Humate also expands root systems. It reduces pesticide needs, balances soil pH, and removes toxins from the soil. It also makes your fertilization program more efficient. Humate should be applied once a year at a rate of 5 pounds of Humate per 1000 square feet of area.

Beautiful falling leaves are covering every square inch of the garden. These leaves should be mulched with a garden shredder/chipper, if possible. If you do nothing else, run through them with your lawn mower. Then take those broken leaves and apply them to your beds. The soil microbes will begin digesting them immediately, and all of that wonderful organic matter can be quickly transformed into humus-the giver of life.

God bless all of you in this New Year, and please join in our great crusade to heal the planet and the creator soil which we all require to fulfill our basic need for food. Heal our soils, water, and air by using environmentally friendly products and support our government in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Write your government representative and show your support. Each and every one of us can have a great impact. All journeys begin with one step, so let's begin with these first steps.

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