waaaaahhhh! Powdery mildew again!

[librechik]

My yard is just way too shady. Or is it soil quality? Every year it attacks and kills something in my yard, usually the roses. Now I have mildew resistant roses only, but the mildew still comes back.


Any tips? It is destroying my squashes and zucchinis!

[Blue Gardener]

1. Use milk

Really. I tried it a last year and it worked on my garden phlox. Here is more information:

http://www.gardenguides.com/pests/tips/powderymildew2.asp

[bvar22]

2. Just the usual stuff:

Sunlight and dry air.

We cut back on our watering. Like most gardners, we tend to water too much.

No top watering, water the ground at the base.

Water in the mornings, avoid late afternoon and evening watering.

Remove debris (dead leaves) from under the plants.

Remove yellow leaves.

Remove blighted leaves but only on dry afternoons. Working a wet plant will spread mildew and fungus.

If possible, prune lower branches (improves air circulation).

Use a moderate to thick Straw Mulch around the base and under the leaves (acts as a moisture barrier).

More space between plants.

We are doing all of the above this year, and have had noticeable improvement.

Neem Oil will work on Mildews and Fungi, and is supposed to be pretty safe. We avoid using it because we also keep bees.

We have also heard about the Milk Cure, but haven't tried it.

Good Luck

[librechik]

3. Thanks for all the info

I'll try it all--esp the milk thing! I have some!