Herein Chicago our weather has been hot & humid. We got more rain over the weekend and have an ethereal fog floating around this morning. I can not stress enough how on the alert you need to be in your gardens for plant diseases and insect infestations in this weather. To date I have seen powdery mildew, scale, black spot, phytophora rot, leaf miners, caterpillars, spittle bugs...the list goes on and on and it is only June!
There are systemic sprays that you can use to help control powdery mildew & black spot a swell as insects. You can also take a chemical free approach and start thinning out and spacing your perennials to allow better air flow. Make sure to water your perennials at the base, not overhead and that will help with the powdery mildew & black spot. Good garden hygiene will help as well. Keep it clean. Pick up any diseased leaves from the garden bed. As for the insect explosion...the only non chemical solution is to try safer soaps.It is my experience that they can help, but if you have a major pest infestation only a systemic chemical will really help.
Good Luck & Happy Gardening!
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