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Gardener used £1.20 fridge staple hack to save his roses from ‘most serious’ disease

Gardener Joe, who documents organic tips on his blog In the Wild Garden, discovered a chemical-free treatment for black spot by spraying a 1 part milk to 2 parts water mixture weekly on roses.
Caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, black spot turns leaves yellow before they fall from stems. "Left untreated, black spot will spread to other leaves," Joe explained, warning of rapid transmission.
Country Living noted that milk exposed to sunlight creates compounds toxic to fungal spores. "Milk also creates a coating on the leaves," the publication added, providing protective barrier against infection.
Joe also recommends removing infected leaves and adding a layer of woodchip mulch around plants. "Do not put them in your compost bin," he advised, as the fungus will linger in waste.
Proper hydration remains essential, with Joe suggesting 5 litres of water weekly based on David Austin's basics of growing roses. "Do this in the evening," Joe cautioned, noting the unpleasant smell of milk on hot days.

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