Dispose of plants with powdery mildew on the compost

Can powdery mildew plants be placed on the compost?

The question of whether plants with mildew allowed on the compost can be answered with both yes and no. It depends on which powdery mildew disease it is.

There is no risk of downy mildew, as the triggering spores are only false fungi and are not stable. They need live plants to survive. They are eliminated as they rot and by the heat in the compost.

Powdery mildew, on the other hand, is triggered by spores that are very stable and can withstand high temperatures. Leaves and parts of plants with powdery mildew therefore belong in the household waste and not on the compost.

Difference between powdery mildew and downy mildew

It is not very easy for the layperson to recognize what type of powdery mildew an infestation is. If you want to be absolutely sure, it is better to dispose of all infected plants in the household waste.

A couple of distinguishing features:

Powdery mildew:

• white coating on top
• less often on the bottom
• Infestation also on fruits and flowers
• occurs especially in dry weather

Wrong mildew:

• Mushroom lawn on bottom
• not on top
• Surface more gray than white
• Occurs when too wet

The heat in the compost is crucial

The compost develops very strong, especially in the middle, after just a few weeks Temperatures - provided you put it on correctly.

The temperatures in the hot rotting area are up to 70 degrees. This heat kills a very large part of the pathogens and fungal spores that occur in the garden.

When composting contaminated plant material, it can make sense to check the temperatures occasionally. Then make sure you get through that Fertilize with the compost later transmitted no diseases.