Preventing Leaf Curl

Leaf curl is a fungal disease mainly affecting peaches, nectarines, and other stone fruit in spring. Unfortunately by the time we notice it in spring, it’s too late to fix the problem. Still, Oderings would recommend picking up any fallen leaves and to use the ‘miracle’ products that you will read about below. As with all good gardening practices, prevention is key. Leaf curl winters over on the plant, so to eradicate the disease you must spray at three critical times. 

1. When the plant is dormant during winter (i.e., it has no leaves), spray it with Lime Sulfur and Liquid Copper. (Note: Don't use Lime Sulphur on apricot, pear or apple trees as it is said to cause russet.)

2. Just before bud burst (i.e., when you see green swellings along the branches), spray with Liquid Copper.

3. After the petals fall, leaving tiny fruit behind, spray a third time, again using Liquid Copper.

A Little Bit of Magic

Magic Mulch is a combination of nature’s two most beneficial growth aids: sphagnum moss and seaweed. I incorporated Magic Mulch into the soil around my two problem plants, and they have thrived. (Yes, like a miracle, they have had no leaf curl for three years running.)

You can go a step further and add either Ocean Solids or Ocean Organics every three months to feed the trees and to stop the leaf curl. Both of these products provide nutrients and minerals from the sea. These products, along with Neem Granules, will help maintain your garden, keeping your fruit trees and vegetable patch insect and pest free.

If you have a problem with leaf curl or just want to have healthier plants and fewer insect problems, use any or all of these three products this year, and if you have any comments or questions email us at info@oderings.co.nz.