What are the common diseases and pests of vegetables on the balcony
Growing vegetables on the balcony in the city can enjoy the pleasure of the countryside while harvesting fresh ingredients. However, issues such as poor ventilation, difficulty in controlling temperature and humidity brought by the enclosed environment make disease and pest control a skill that every grower must master. This article systematically sorts out the characteristics and control measures of 8 common diseases and pests, helping you create a healthy vegetable garden.
Common disease control methods for balcony vegetables
White mold: Dry environment nemesis
Initially, white powdery spots appear on the leaves, and in severe cases, the entire plant looks like it has been sprinkled with flour. It is recommended to spray a baking soda solution (1:1000) every 10 days, while controlling the amount of nitrogen fertilizer and maintaining an environmental humidity of 40-60%.
Gray mold: Damp environment killer
Common in rainy seasons, affected parts produce a gray mold layer. It is recommended to open windows for ventilation for 2 hours in the morning and evening, and spray the back of leaves with a garlic extract solution (100g/1L water) at the early stage of the disease.
Downy mildew: The culprit of yellow spots on leaves
The typical symptom is a purple mold layer on the back of the leaves, which can be prevented by intercropping vegetables like onions and garlic. Spray with bamboo vinegar solution (1:200) every week to enhance the plant's disease resistance.
White rust: High humidity warning
What are the common diseases and pests of vegetables on the balcony
White vesicular spots often appear on the back of leaves. It is recommended to use ceramic stones to raise the pot for improved drainage and sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the surface of the potting soil to effectively block the spread of pathogens.
Guide to controlling pest infestations on balcony vegetables
Aphids: Tender bud terminator
Use yellow sticky traps plus a chili water solution (50g of dried chili boiled and filtered) for double protection, focusing on spraying the new buds twice a week for continuous control.
Small cabbage caterpillar: Enemy of cruciferous plants
When planting, mix in pest-repellent herbs like mint and rosemary. Immediately spray with a 1000-fold solution of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT preparation) upon detecting eggs.