Yearly Archives: 2018

Powdery Mildew

by Leslie Cox; Wednesday; August 22, 2018

powdery mildew on zucchini plantWhat is it?

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease spread by spores. There are several different species of powdery mildew, and they are plant species specific. What attacks members in the squash family will not take hold on your beans or azalea nearby.

Powdery mildew is absolutely everywhere. The fungus lies dormant in the soil until conditions are right for the release of its spores.

Continue reading

3 Powdery Mildew Recipes

Powdery Mildew Recipe #1

1 tbsp (15 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) vegetable oil
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid soap
1 gal (3.8 L) water

Mix together in a spray canister and apply weekly to top and bottom of leaves.

Note: Some people recommend using horticultural oil which is more refined than dormant oil, thus safer for use on fruiting plants. However, use should be discontinued one week prior to harvesting….impossible with zucchinis and cucumbers ripening on an on-going basis. Also, some experts claim you should use insecticidal soap, not dish detergent. I use organic dish soap in my kitchen, so that is what I use in this recipe. Option is yours.

 

Powdery Mildew Recipe #2

1 part milk
2 parts water

Combine milk and water in a spray canister and apply weekly to top and bottom of leaves.

Note: Why this works so well on powdery mildew is not wholly understood, but speculation leans towards the natural compounds in milk boost a plant’s immune system.

 

Powdery Mildew Recipe #3

2 tbsp (30 ml) potassium bicarbonate
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid soap
1 gal (3.8 L) water

Mix together in a spray canister and apply weekly to top and bottom of leaves.

Note: Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) is similar to baking soda and has long been used in medicine, as a food ingredient and leavening agent. It helps to prevent mildew and fungus growth and is approved for use in organic gardening.

 

Posted on August 16, 2018

Quote of the Week

by Leslie Cox; Sunday; July 29, 2018

The garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature.

~ Jeff Cox

Duchess in herb garden

Foto Friday

by Leslie Cox; Friday; July 27, 2018

Geranium Rozanne®, also known by its registered name – Geranium ‘Gerwat’,
is looking quite stunning in the garden right now.

Geranium 'Gerwat' - Rozanne

Pictured with Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’, Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’, 
Hosta ‘Chantilly Lace’, and the taller hosta ‘Komodo Dragon’.
Geranium psilostemon is in the upper right corner and
Weigela florida ‘Minor Black’ is lower right corner.

New Plant ID Added

by Leslie Cox; Thursday; July 26, 2018

Heliopsis Loraine SunshineCheck out this stunning perennial, Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Helhan’…also known as Heliopsis helianthoides Loraine Sunshine. It doesn’t get much better with this hardy, long blooming false sunflower.

To read about this must-have plant, check under In the Garden on the menu bar and click on Plants We Grow in the drop down box. Or double click on the quick link here.

Welcome!

Search
Recent Posts

Subscribe to my Toil 'n' Trowel newsletter

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Don't be a Stranger... Contact Us