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