I would not bother hitting the ground around the plants much. Once the conditions are ripe the spores are airborne and the numbers are overwhelming. I don't care how isolated your plants are, they will become covered in spores. Best practice is to hit young plants early, then continue as the nighttime conditions approach ideal humidity and the onslaught really begins. Next year will be fine because now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
Ronbo, I know it may be a waste of time and money, but it surely can't hurt laying the stuff down around the garden. You're probably right though and it will be a waste of time and money. I will be all over this next year for sure.