Organic Powdery Mildew Control

Ah, the dreaded powdery mildew. Variations of this disease distress a wide range of plants; including squash, grapes, and even our native dogwood tree. Milk has been found to halt progression and provide control of powdery mildew on many plants and trees. I have used it in the garden on our squash and gourds with success. And I even got the chance to experiment with using the organic milk treatment on a dogwood tree that we transplanted into the woods that became infected with powdery mildew. Within just a few days of treatment the dogwood recovered totally from the powdery mildew. It still amazes me that we can find so many organic controls right under our noses, or in this case our lips. I have a few magnolias that I planted out into the woods, close to the same dogwood tree, that have developed powdery mildew. I plan to treat them next year with the organic milk solution as another experiment. Okay, so you're getting antsy and want to know what the milk and water mixture ratio is... It is 9 parts water to 1 part milk. For those that are math challenged, just use 9 cups of water and 1 cup of milk. Mix well and pour into a sprayer bottle. It is best to use skim milk as there will be less odors from continued spraying and the skim milk will keep your sprayer from clogging up. Spray leaves thoroughly three times a week, early in the morning. Keep any unused portion of this organic mixture stored in your fridge for up to 1 week. I hope this organic tip helps keep your garden powdery mildew free.





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