By: Steve Frowine

Powdery Mildew on Cucumbers and Squash

This hot humid weather makes heat loving veggies like cucumbers and squash grow like crazy, but unfortunately it is also a time when a disease called powdery mildew shows up in full force.

The name of the disease spells out it symptoms. The leaves look like they are spattered with talc powder. Unfortunately, once this disease takes hold there isn’t too much you can do to stop it and the leaves on the plant will eventually shrivel up and the plant will die.

If you catch it early you can try this organic preventative measure—Serenade. It is broad spectrum bio-fungicide uses a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis that is approved for organic gardening. Best of all, it’s safe to use — you can treat and pick crops the same day!

Also, sanitation is very important. Discard all plants that are infected and don’t compost the leaves. When choosing varieties to plants choose those that are naturally resistant. Try to keep water off the foliage when you irrigate and make sure the plants are in a location that receives a lot of sunlight and air movement.