Black Spot Fungus, Is My Soil Infected?

Question

We just moved into a home with lots of land for gardening, and several established plants. One bush (sorry, I don’t know what it was) was covered in black spot fungus. . . EVERY leaf. It was clear upon further inspection that many of the fallen leaves were so old they’ve decomposed into the soil. I would like to take the bush completely out and use the land for strawberries. Do I need to treat the soil first so it won’t infect my berries (and how should I do that) or should it be okay now if I watch the berries and take preventative action?

Answer 1

This article should answer your questions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/black-spot-fungus.htm
When purchasing any product for control of black spot, follow package directions.

Answer 2

Thank you for the response! I had read that article before posting my question but the article seems to only address treating the leaves. I’m wondering if I have to wait and treat my soil before I plant other things there. Because there has been an unknown amount of time where leaves have been falling and decomposing into the soil, and the soil is not bare, my question was not exactly answered.

I will try the baking soda, and I’ve also heard that 1 part milk to 2 parts water is another good treatment (but it must be done weekly to be effective).

I found the blueberry bush I just planted a week ago in the general area already infected. At this point I can’t know whether it got it in my garden, or if it came from the store that way – but it was sad plucking all the more mature leaves as they all had spots already.

Answer 3

Black spot spores can live in the infected leaves after they have fallen. So, I would rake up all the debris I could and put in in a trash bag for the land fill. Don’t compost or burn as this will just spread the fungal spores. I would get an all purpose fungicide that will treat black spot, use according to package directions, and water the area you want to garden with the fungicide mixture.
The “re-entry” period for fungicides is different from insecticides and herbicides. There is actually no period of waiting with fungicides.
If this didn’t answer the question, let us know.

Answer 4

Thank you very much. I will go fungicide shopping. 🙂