I was at a meeting the other day, with lots of other growers. I don't class myself as a grower, more of a weed puller, but one must keep up appearances when one is within the growing elite circle! The conversation ended with, "Yes, I've bought a kilo of it." My ears pricked up, if he's bought a kilo of it, what is it, it must be good and I need to know. So I asked what.
The answer was Garlic Powder and two of the Committee Members who were chatting about it proceeded to tell me why they use it to tackle their White Rot. It's clever stuff, and I feel the need to impart this wisdom to you, so I shall try and relay the conversation and also add my own learnings since then.
What is White Rot?
It's caused by a fungus called Sclerotium cepivorum. This sneaky fungus can hide in the soil for a long time, just waiting to attack plants like onions, garlic, and leeks. Once it infects a plant, you can easily see the damage: leaves start to droop, plants don't grow well, and the bulbs start to rot. This can ruin a whole crop. White Rot likes cool and damp weather, which isn't good news given the wet weather we're having at the moment!
Dealing with White Rot is tough because it can stick around in the soil for years. Up to 20 years, apparently 🫨🫨
In eco-friendly gardening circles, using Garlic Powder to tackle White Rot is gaining popularity. This change represents a bigger trend toward sustainable gardening, driven by worries about the harm synthetic chemicals can cause to the environment. Its natural antifungal properties make it a great weapon against fungal diseases. Plus, it's easy to find in shops, and it's affordable, making it appealing.
How it works
Garlic Powder uses allicin, a powerful compound known for its ability to fight off various fungal diseases, including the stubborn Sclerotium cepivorum. When Garlic Powder is added to the soil, it releases allicin, creating an unfriendly environment for White Rot fungi to thrive. This not only stops the current problem but also prevents future fungal growth in the treated areas.
Apart from its direct antifungal effects, Garlic Powder also improves soil health. It helps create a stronger soil ecosystem, which helps plants better defend themselves against diseases. Whether applied before planting as a preventive measure or during the growing season as a treatment, Garlic Powder taps into these natural processes.
How to effectively use Garlic Powder against White Rot
Now, please bear in mind that I have never done this before but the experts say....
Start by making a mixture. Mix one part Garlic Powder with ten parts water to make a strong solution. You can then either sprinkle this solution around the soil near your plants or spray it directly onto the leaves as a foliar treatment.
For prevention, it's best to add the Garlic Powder solution to the soil when you sow or plant your crops. This helps stop White Rot before it can start.
During the growing season, you should reapply the solution every two to three weeks, especially after heavy rain that might wash away the protection. Keep an eye on your plants, and if you see signs of White Rot (drooping leaves etc), you may need to make the mixture a bit stronger to stop it from spreading. But be careful not to use too much Garlic Powder, as it could harm your plants.
If you want to use Garlic Powder in your garden or plot, remember that it works even better when combined with companion planting and keeping your soil well-drained. These practices make conditions less favourable for White Rot, making Garlic Powder even more effective at protecting your crops.
No wonder I've never seen a Vampire on Alan's plot
So, there you have it. Not only can you keep vampires away from nibbling your pumpkins, you can actually help alleviate White Rot, which is a disease I never even knew about until the other week.
I'm off to google a bulk purchase of Garlic Powder. 😁
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