knowledge How to plant hydrangea Properly done is one of the most effective ways in which you can prevent the appearance of brown spots. However, infection from hydrangea diseases can still occur. Brown spots are (most often) caused by the Cercospora fungus commonly found in your soil. It usually reaches the plant through overhead irrigation or rainfall.
So, while you may know When to plant hydrangea For optimal growth, it is equally important to know how to treat brown spots if they appear. the secret? Compost tea, say garden experts.
Treating brown spots on hydrangea – with compost tea
(Image credit: Anaik Goytini)
Compost tea—the liquid (homemade) version of solid fertilizer—is an organic yet powerful way to treat brown spots on hydrangeas. Therefore, it is not surprising that this type of interest is very popular among experts. Here’s how to apply it.
How to make compost tea
“Compost tea is an easy-to-make natural treatment for brown spots on hydrangea leaves,” says Jason White, CEO of All About Gardening. To do this, he recommends using an old pillowcase or burlap bag and filling it with compost.
“This would be like your tea bag, where you put it in five gallons of water and let it steep for three days,” he says. After this time, Jason suggests pouring the liquid into a spray bottle (like this one on Amazon) and applying it to the brown spots on the hydrangea leaves.
Likewise, expert Jane Stark encourages gardeners to try a compost tea treatment. “Adding compost tea to a spray bottle and spraying it on the brown spots on your plants can help remove them,” she adds.
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How does compost tea treat brown spots on hydrangea?
How does this organic remedy combat this common problem? Jason explains that compost tea contains beneficial bacteria that effectively fight the bacteria responsible for brown leaf spot in hydrangeas.
To further protect your plant, he suggests spraying the plant with diluted liquid kelp to boost the immune system and prevent recurrence of the spots.
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Why do hydrangeas have brown spots on the leaves?
As experts point out, the most common cause of brown spots is the Cercospora fungus. However, Certified Master Gardener Gabriel J. Croteau points out that the problem may be due to general growing conditions as well.
“Hydrangeas need full sun to grow well and thrive. If the plant is growing in shade or partial shade, you should move it to a sunnier location. Therefore, when thinking about where to plant your flowers, and what to plant with hydrangeas, it is important to choose a place that receives plenty of From sunlight.
“Using compost tea is an easy way to treat brown spots quickly and effectively,” he adds. H&G Garden expert Rachel Crowe. “If you experience these spots—whether due to Cercospora or lack of sunlight—this trick will nurse your plants back to health. The only thing left to know is how to prune your hydrangeas to extend their life.