I'm looking for recommendations on organic fungicides that won't harm beneficial insects in my garden. Specifically, I release lacewing larvae and I'm concerned about using sprays like neem or Lost Coast Plant Therapy. Also, I should mention that I'm primarily interested in preventive solutions, as I tend to have issues with downy mildew on cucumbers and blight on tomatoes. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Baking soda could be a great option! It’s a popular choice for dealing with powdery mildew. Just mix a tablespoon in a gallon of water alongside a bit of soap (I use Dr. Bronner's) and spray it on the affected plants. It can be really effective if you catch it early.
I totally feel you on wanting to protect your bugs! I’ve heard that baking soda works wonders for powdery mildew—and it’s easy to make! Just remember that while trying to prevent issues, cleanliness in your garden can also help keep the diseases at bay.
Have you thought about Dr. Zymes? It’s supposed to target soft-bodied insects, which means beneficials like your lacewing larvae should be fine. However, it can be a bit pricy, and some folks worry about whether it's truly organic. Another option is Lost Coast Plant Therapy, but I've heard mixed reviews about it affecting beneficial insects too.