Sweet pea plants are currently experiencing a prevalence of powdery mildew - learn how to stop this problem
In the vibrant world of gardening, one common challenge that many gardeners face is the appearance of powdery mildew on their sweet peas. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to prevent this pesky fungal disease from ruining your sweet pea harvest.
Sweet peas that show white, powdery spots or fail to flower may be infected with powdery mildew. This disease often develops when plants are dry or stressed, and it can be found throughout gardens in late summer.
To combat this, David from Mr Fothergill's seeds recommends watering sweet peas carefully, preferably at the base, to prevent the spread of powdery mildew. He also advises against watering the foliage to keep it dry.
Adequate spacing between sweet peas can make a difference in preventing powdery mildew. By ensuring good airflow around the plants, you reduce humidity that favours powdery mildew development. While exact spacing recommendations vary, maintaining adequate distance between plants helps air circulate and foliage dry faster.
Choosing a sunny, well-ventilated growing spot is also crucial. Powdery mildew favours shaded, damp, and poorly ventilated areas. Keeping the plants away from stagnant air and damp conditions helps prevent infection.
If you're gardening chemical-free, pruning away the diseased leaves first is recommended before trying other remedies. Infected shoots and leaves should be removed to prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Crop rotation, using disease-resistant varieties, and applying organic fungicides like sulfur-based sprays at the first sign of disease may also help prevent powdery mildew.
Alex Biggart, brand manager at 123 Flowers, advises against planting sweet peas too densely. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increased humidity, both of which favour powdery mildew growth.
Remember, controlling humidity around the plants by managing spacing, watering techniques, and site selection is key to preventing powdery mildew on sweet peas.
For those seeking a remedy, Neudorff Mildew Clear for Edibles, available on Amazon, is a popular choice. However, prevention is always better than cure.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Sophie King joined our platform team as Gardens Editor in June 2024, bringing her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening to our readers.
[1] David from Mr Fothergill's Seeds. Personal communication, 12th March 2024. [2] Alex Biggart, Brand Manager at 123 Flowers. Personal communication, 20th March 2024. [3] RHS. (2022). Powdery Mildew. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=496 [4] Neudorff. (2023). Mildew Clear for Edibles. Retrieved from https://www.neudorff.co.uk/en-gb/products/fungicides/mildew-clear-for-edibles [5] BBC Gardens. (2023). How to Prevent Powdery Mildew on Plants. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230415-how-to-prevent-powdery-mildew-on-plants
Maintaining proper spacing between sweet peas at home-and-garden settings, as suggested by Alex Biggart from 123 Flowers, aids in preventing powdery mildew by enhancing airflow and reducing humidity that supports its growth. Furthermore, following David's recommendations from Mr Fothergill's seeds, such as careful watering at the plant base and avoiding foliage moisture, can also help combat powdery mildew in your lifestyle garden.
