Fungicide Basics

The climate in western Washington is often very well suited for the breeding of hostile fungi. If you have gardened for any length of time at all, you have probably experienced the fungi festival first hand. Roses need some extra help to perform their best in our climate. The most important aspect of using fungicides is to know that they are almost entirely preventative in nature. In fact, it is best to apply a fungicide as a protective measure before you see any disease issues at all. The best control will be achieved when you spray your roses for the first time as the new leaves are emerging. There are many good fungicides on the market, but I feel that Immunox is one of the better fungicides available to the consumer. It is systemic in nature and thus protects your rose foliage longer. It is also important to rotate fungicides so that you do not end up with a garden full of Immunox resistant strains. I find that almost any other fungicide will work well in a rotation: Daconil, Funginex, Orthenex, Rose Defense, Triple Action, Lime Sulphur or Safer Garden Fungicide. Any of these can be rotated with good success with Immunox. An inexpensive addition to your fungicide is a spreader sticker. It is mixed with your fungicide at 2 tbs. per gallon. Spreader sticker helps the fungicide adhere and more evenly coat the leaf surface, dramatically improving performance.

Prevent Rose Cane Borers without using toxic pesticides...
If you have noticed holes that appear to have been drilled down the center of your rose canes, it is damage from the larval stage of rose cane borers. These eating machines can do significant damagae if left unchecked in the garden. There are two ways to control them without insecticides. Both methods form a protective shell at the top of each cane. One method is to use whie Elmer's glue..simply put a dot of glue atop each cane right after pruning in February or March. My favorite solution is to use Rose Stick. It comes in a container that would remind you of Chapstick. After pruning, swipe the cane tops with Rose Stock. I like it better because it's a lot less messy to use than the Elmer's glue in our typically rainy weather that accompanies pruning time. These same techniques can also be used to prevent raspberry cane borers.

Give Rose Stick a try at a lower price! Regular retail is $3.99 each. We have a special price this spring of $2.99!