From mid-autumn until the beginning of spring, there is a general drop in temperature which, accompanied by the humidity of the environment and the first rains, favours the development of fungi and diseases in the crops.
Although the intense cold causes the insects to disappear temporarily, some fungi such as mildew and powdery mildew find this time of year the right time to colonize plants. To avoid this, at Agralia del Principado we recommend a series of good practices to prevent the proliferation of fungi in crops.
The first thing is to observe, since most problems are complicated by not looking for a solution in time. Take a walk through your orchard or garden at least once a week to take a look at the plants, don’t be in a hurry, look closely at the leaves from the top and back and enjoy the work you do.
Apply the watering water in the morning to give the substrate and plants time to absorb the moisture and prevent it from accumulating in the late afternoon or overnight, and avoid overwatering because it causes waterlogging and favors the proliferation of fungi that cause root rot.
During watering, avoid wetting the leaves, as the water droplets that remain on the surface can cause burns due to the magnifying glass effect they have when illuminated by the sun. This damages the leaf and becomes a gateway to other diseases.
Prune parts damaged by fungi or insects and destroy debris. Do not mix them with in the composter, you could contaminate the compost. In our online store you can find all the necessary tools for pruning tasks at any time of the year.
Avoid making dense plantations, with plants close together, this way air circulation and light entry are improved.
Keep the grass short, a green cover with low grass can be a great ally to maintain humidity and protect the roots of the plants from temperature changes, but grass that is too tall or unattended becomes a refuge for pests. To control the growth of adventitious weeds that compete with plants for nutrients, you can use a selective herbicide such as Tidex.
When planting, choose pest-resistant plants that can adapt well to the temperature of your area as much as possible. In our shop in Viella you can find new live plants every Thursday of the week. Would you like to come and see us? You can find us here.
Remember that weakened or stressed plants are more likely to get sick, so remember to give them the necessary care such as water and fertilizer depending on their needs.