Question
I think my plants caught a bug called leaf curl.  It started as little yellow spots, progressed until the whole leaf often turned yellow.  Some leaves developed tiny brown speckles. All the leaves became dry and curled up.  I have approx 2,000 sf of the plants as ground cover.  Are there I prefer "organic" solutions, so that I may use the leaves and flowers for cooking.  My dog also lays in the beds a lot.  Thanks for your help.

Location :   Resaca GA  30735  (NW GA, near Chattanooga)

Answer
Inconsistent watering and/or poor drainage is the primary reason for leaf curl. The water in the soil saturates the roots making it difficult for the roots to absorb nutrients and oxygen.

If your soil is comprised primarily of clay, you need to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, aged manure, peat, and shredded leaves. This step alone often eliminates many diseases and other problems, including leaf curl.

Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen. I always recommend organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. These are more balanced and will not burn the foliage.

Finally, make sure the plants are well mulched with either straw, shredded leaves, or aged grass clippings. This will help retain moisture while keeping the roots cool.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike