What should I do now? I have mildew.

7 years ago

I have the start of powder mildew on some cucumber leaves and the little jack pumpkins. I have all of the veggies growing vertically. I found mildew in my flower pots in the shady area of my yard in front. They are only getting morning sun. I haven never seen this in my plants before. I checked them Sunday and they were great. We have had so much humidity here and rain.i Do not over water but the rain must have been too much. Since I have planted I have been spraying a 3 in 1 (Garden Safe) and also spraying with potassium bicarbonate. I have been rotating this already I have never used neem oil. should I get some ASAP? Should I try to replace some of the dirt in my planters?

Featured Answer

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

7 years ago

It's hard to see what's going on there but that doesn't look like powdery mildew. It appears to be on the soil, not on the plants. It looks like a mold. Keep the surface of the soil dry, stir it up a bit and provide plenty of fresh air. It is living off organic matter in the soil and isn't doing any harm to your plants. I'd stop with the sprays on the mold.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
Agree. I see no sign of any powdery mildew. And the moldy stuff on the soil looks suspiciously like Sluggo that has been exposed to irrigation. It gets all furry and white when that happens.
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Related Professionals
Lebanon Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lafayette Landscape Contractors · Tacoma Landscape Contractors · Chicago Home Builders · Hannibal Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Augusta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Peoria Landscape Contractors · Selma Home Builders · McAlester Home Builders · Providence Home Builders · Platteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bridgeport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Scranton Landscape Contractors · Concord Landscape Contractors · Plymouth Kitchen Remodelers
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
Original Author
7 years ago
Gardengal - You are correct. What an ass I am. I did sprinkle some sluggo on Saturday. I always have slugs. regarding the powdery mildew I have seen many white dots on the cucumber leaves and the pumpkin leaves. Should I stop spraying them or keep spraying? Is it better just to remove all the leaves that have the dots. I do not have a close up picture but I know they are there. I have a new gineau impatient that was affected also. I put that in the sun for awhile too and removed the affected leaves. Thanks for your help. You are quick and now I feel a little better even though I am such an idiot for not thinking about the Sluggo. I have used it once before but I never seen that moldy looking stuff.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
Powdery mildew is very common on cucurbits at this time of year - it's a climate/weather thing. Spraying with a range of PM controls helps, but you do need to rotate through several different products to avoid the PM developing resistance. But the best controls are cultural - as much sun as possible, very good air circulation and maintaining adequate soil moisture. I would remove the most heavily affected leaves and you can add neem to the mix as well if you like.
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
Original Author
7 years ago
I never tried neem oil but I will buy some soon. I do not know if I will shock the plant by taking too much foliage at once. I will go easy and take the worst of the leafs. I have read many past posts here and it seems it is the time of the year, moisture levels need watched too. We have had rain along with humidity. I just hope the crazy little pumpkin plants will last until I get a few for the grandkids. Thanks again all!
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
Original Author
7 years ago
I tried to post three other pictures but only one posted. I log in under gardenweb and never through Houzz. I wonder why it didn’t show them.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
7 years ago
Good catch on the slug pellets, gg. Didn't spot them but that's how they behave here too.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
LOL!! All my pots of hostas are showing the same thing :-) It's not at all attractive but I put up with the fuzz, as it does help to dissuade the slugs and snails, if not get rid of them entirely.