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Comfrey Problem...

timmitesttubetimmitesttube Posts: 22
in Plants
Hello All!
I'm growing some Bocking 14 comfrey to use as mulch, composting material and for making comfrey tea. It grows well enough, but the whole row is suffering with white mildew on the leaves. I've cut down a couple of plants to see if they regrow without the problem - but I have two questions really: Is it ok to use the mildew affected leaves as mulch etc and what can I do to stop the mildew continuing to blight new growth?

Any ideas and input much appreciated!
Regards, Tim.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It likes decent moisture, and moisture retentive soil, so it's possibly just been a bit dry. That's generally the most common reason for mildew.  :)
    If that's all it is, it won't be a problem to use as a mulch, but if you're concerned, probably better to compost it or make the tea with as much as you can.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    edited May 2022
    I would guess it may be not enough water, but I don't know. Powdery mildews generally only affect very specific plant groups, so as long as your crops are not close relatives of comfrey, it won't trouble them. I wouldn't use it as a mulch on young, tender plants, but composted or brewed into tea, it'll be OK. 

    See what happens with the fresh crop but you may need to move it somewhere else where the conditions suit it better, or just try to cut it when it's quite fresh to make the year's tea
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
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