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Baking soda – Organic mildew treatment – courgettes, pumpkins & cucumbers

Treating powdery mildew on squashes with Baking Soda

Treating Powdery Mildew on Courgetts and Squashes
Powdery mildew on Squash

It’s disheartening to witness your thriving squash plants succumb swiftly to powdery mildew, especially considering the effort you’ve invested in nurturing them from seed. But there are methods you can call upon to prevent this.

The causes of powdery mildew

As summer progresses, or what I humorously refer to as “the rain season,” the rising humidity significantly raises the chances of your prized courgettes, pumpkins, and cucumbers falling victim to powdery mildew. This prevalent issue manifests as white powdery blotches on the leaves, eventually causing them to yellow and wither.

Bring out the baking soda!

Instead of heading to the nearby garden centre for a harsh chemical remedy, simply spray a mixture of baking soda and water on both sides of the infected leaves. I recommend using 1 tablespoon of baking soda per gallon (4.5 litres) of water. It’s crucial to cover both leaf surfaces, as the fungus develops on the underside and bears fruit on the top. The use of baking soda not only reduces acidity but also elevates the plant’s pH, creating an unfavourable environment for the thriving of this fungus.

Severely affected leaves should be carefully taken off and incinerated. Avoid adding them to the compost pile, as this could worsen your issues and facilitate the fungus’s spread throughout your garden. However, be cautious with this approach, as damaging any part of the plant might invite other types of infections. It’s most effective to address the issue early on.

Extend this treatment to other vegetables and flowering plants as needed. Sustain the treatment for 3 or 4 days to ensure complete elimination of the fungus.

Anti-mildew recipe again

To maximize the effectiveness of your organic remedy against powdery mildew, it’s crucial to ensure thorough coverage on each leaf’s top and undersides. Devote a few moments each day to diligently spray the entire foliage of your affected plants, maintaining a consistent routine. This daily application is a proactive measure that not only targets existing mildew but also creates a protective barrier, hindering the potential resurgence of the fungus. By attending to both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, you address the complete lifecycle of the powdery mildew, disrupting its growth and spread. Consistency is key in organic plant care, and this daily ritual serves as a preventative and corrective action, fostering a healthier environment for your garden to flourish naturally.

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