For disease control on groundcover plants and groundcover plantings, I recommend using safer products, such as one's containing Neem oil, which can also be used on fruits, flowering plants, ornamentals, and roses to prevent black spot, rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Neem oil also works effectively to prevent and control many harmful insects.
NOTE: Before spraying your plants always consult with your local professional nurseryman or County Extention Agent for a diagnosis and appropriate methods for treatment.
When spraying your groundcover plants, make sure to wet as much of the foliage as is possible. You may need to use a hose-end type sprayer when spraying large sections of groundcover plants. Treat only diseased plants and those nearby to prevent spreading. Always follow instructions on label for proper mixing and application.
Homemade Recipes for Treating Fungal Diseases
Try these remedies to see how they work for you:
- Fungus: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a quart of water. Pour into a spray container and spray affected areas. Repeat this process every few days until problem ceases.
- Powdery Mildew: Mix equal parts milk and water and spray on infected plants. Three treatments a week apart should control the disease.
- Insects and Fungal Diseases: Combine one tablespoon of cooking oil, two tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Pour into a spray container and spray foliage.
Disease Prevention Tips for Groundcover Plants
- Water or irrigate groundcovers in the morning hours to allow any water that might splash on foliage dry during the day. Water left standing on foliage overnight can cause development of fungus and disease.
- Plant groundcovers in well-drained soils to avoid root rot, leaf spot and other plant diseases caused by wet feet. There are a few groundcovers that actually prefer growing in damp or wet soils.
- Space plants properly instead of overcrowding. This gives roots of individual plants plenty of room to grow for the long term - keeping them healthier.
- Make sure you select plants that have demonstrated tolerance to disease and acclimate well to your region.
