Question
I'm from mid Mich and at the end of summer my black eyed susans leafs get black almost looks like dry leaf. Went to home depot and they said that it wasn't curible that I had to kill the plant. please help

Answer
Isabel, unfortunately they are correct. Once the plant contracts a fungal disease, it cannot be cured.

Next year, you need to use preventive measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Black-eyed Susans are highly susceptible to fungal diseases, so I would recommend starting a spray program as soon as the plants are budding.

Personally, I only use organic products. The most effective product on the market to prevent against fungal disease is copper fungicide. There are many products out there that contain copper, but there is one I highly endorse. This product is called Soap Shield. With the soapy concentrate, the copper adheres to the foliage much better. I spray my Black-eyed Susans and zinnias every 14 days, using 3 tbs. per gallon of water. Since I started using this, my flowers and vegetables are disease-free.

Attached is a website from which you can order Soap Shield. They also carry many other organic fungicides and insecticides.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=8066&ss=Soap%20Shield

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike