There's an organic way to treat rose fungus, says show host Kim Haworth, and it's even better to organically prevent fungus with a thick layer of mulch around the plant. This keeps water from splashing back on the plant in heavy rain -- water that can carry fungus spores. If you already have the fungus, combat it with a home brew that's not toxic, following these steps: - Mix a little horticultural oil in water with a bit of baking soda -- say a tablespoon of each per quart of water (figure A). The oil will help the baking soda cling to the leaves of the plant.
- Put the mixture in a spray bottle.
- Clean out the leaves and debris from under the rose bush.
- Spray plant with the baking soda mix, starting at the bottom to make sure the mix won't burn the leaves. Usually burns aren't an issue, but occasionally the spray will cause leaves to burn if it's very hot or the sun is strong. Spray all over, with a liberal dose, remembering the undersides of the leaves, their tops and stems.
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