I went to the farmer’s market for the first time in many weeks and had a great conversation with Wayne, founder of the amazing Rockridge Orchards, which is always the highlight of my farmer’s market trip.
I’ve been watching the apple trees for some time now. I put them in as sticks this spring (and late in the spring I might add.) They leafed out and had some flowers. Then about a month ago I noticed some black spots on the leaves and some of them seemed to be curling.
I mentioned that my apples had what I thought was scab and described it. I told him I had used Serenade on them. He shot back right away “Dormant Spray.” Beg your pardon?
The fungus had overwintered in the evergreen plants he explained. I don’t have scab, I have early signs of the mildew that knocked down all the Akebias and azaleas during last early summer’s continuously overcast, wet weather.
A dormant spray that is comprised of lime and sulpher is perfectly fine for organic gardening and will take care of any fungus, no questions asked. I ordered some from my favorite online addiction, Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply. Being the most awesome online farm store ever they have several choices. The product descriptions don’t suggest using it for mildew but I trust Wayne completely.
I’ve sprayed the apple trees, my flowering red current bush, mint and azalea. It is probably too late to save the currents on the bush and I was planning on mowing down the mint patch anyway since it’s already halfway up my thighs (mojito, anyone?) but everything should recover and now I know how to prevent it next year.
