Organic Treatment for Powdery Mildew

Following on from a previous post about an oregano herb plant with powdery mildew, just wanted to update everyone on the organic treatment I used - which has been a success! Photo (left) of the plant with mildew. I had cut all the foliage off the plant thinking this may help, however, the new growth had powdery mildew on it, so I needed to find a solution (or throw it out)... I read an article that recommended using 20-30% milk mixed with water as a treatment for powdery mildew. I did this and it seems to have worked - photo of healthy leaves below.

The plant is growing well and there is no sign of powdery mildew since I treated it. The article said to spray the plant. However, I mixed the milk-water solution and then used my fingers to put it on every leaf of the plant. It didn't take long and seems to have worked. Its great to find treatments that don't involve purchasing chemicals!

If you have any good non-chemical treatments for common plant problems, do share!

Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.

Making an Herb Box

I've been wanting to increase my use of herbs and have decided to locate a range of herbs near the kitchen using a newly constructed herb box. Suppose this will be a bit of an experiment as I've not too much experience of growing herbs. I will have to see if there is enough sun and if the plants like the location. The box currently contains a topiary style French lavender, 6 chive plants, 2 types of thyme, marjoram, and 3 types of oregano. 

The herb box includes a well established thyme (far left),  'Country' Oregano which came from a local garden centre, and at the back - chives that are coming into flower (these have been divided from plants in another area of the garden and added to the herb box).

Bought from the local garden centre at a cost of 4 plants for £5 (about $8 US dollars):
Marjoram - I'm not sure how to use this, but will have to learn.
'Hot' oregano smells great with a strong spicy smell. 

The French Lavender topiary was the most expensive plant at £12.99 (about $21 US dollars). I've used purple slate stone as a mulch as I had some spare sitting around.

The herb box is approx 15 inches (width) by 45 inches (length). The wood is decking wood which cost approx £20 to purchase (about $33 Us dollars) and as the labour was free it works out pretty good value for money. Just hope I can manage to keep the plants alive!

Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.

Easter greetings...

Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.