How We Prevent Powdery Mildew on Our Squash and Cucumbers

[@JohnWilson-um1ly]

I find Castile soap is less harsh than dish soap and more organic. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly and precisely!

[@languagelynnie]

After all these years, you are still putting out very useful, clear, and informative videos. You are amazing!

[@freedomhomesteadky]

Thank you for explaining the misconceptions about the powdery mildew. Great info. We need to be more proactive on preventive instead of reactive.

[@MIgardener]

In life, this is a good lesson. Not just in treating powdery mildew!

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Oh so very true

[@b.abernathy7980]

I'm glad to know what to do about the powdery mildew. My second biggest problem in the garden is white flies. Insecticidal soap helps, but it is a never ending battle.

[@seanharris5592]

Check out "millennial gardener" channel and his fog or sprayer gun with hydrogen peroxide. Just for an idea maybe. Blessings and namaste

[@lauriedavis4045]

Recipe: 1 TB per gallon for prevention, 2 TB for accute condition. Dish soap (I use castile--Dr. Bronners) to aid adhesion; helps it stick to foliage. Early morning application, spray once werkly.

[@leessa65]

Is this also a good ratio for Bee Balm, Black Eyed Susan, etc?

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Thanks for this recipe

[@a.s.6685]

🤯 That's EXACTLY what Luke said (except for the brands, which are irrelevant)

[@meshab6049]

@@a.s.6685 Not really

[@a.s.6685]

@@meshab6049 Yes really, word for word

[@sofire6852]

I needed to know this months ago. But sometimes experience is the best teacher! Thanks for sharing Luke. At least I won’t give up on cucurbits just yet 😂. I’ll utilize this for next years garden.

[@NovaVega71]

I lost all of my cukes and squash to powdery mildew this summer. I did not know what it was or how to treat it. I had to tear everything out of my garden.😢Saw the squirrel at 9:44 under the fence. I am so grateful for this informative video!

[@AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard]

Greetings from arizona! Now that we finally been getting rain the powdery mildew is creeping up on us. Great timing with this video. Thanks for all the tips and tricks brother! Cheers 🥂

[@ashleymcdonald2239]

Thank you. Powdery mildew just killed my cantaloupes. I tried the milk and water, and it didn't work, I tried the baking soda and water, it didn't work,. So PREVENTATIVE measures is the best way to go. Thank you. You and this channel have truly been a blessing.✝️❤️🌍

[@gi295]

Lol try praying to jesus for help, god will heal your plants haha

[@ashleymcdonald2239]

@@gi295 yes , in some instances He will. But He gave us a brain to use too, and wisdom , if you belong to HIM. And He expects us to use them.God Bless you. You know the Lord warned there would be mockers and scoffers in the last days , and men would be lovers of themselves more than God. You are only confirming more , we are in the end of the end of time . I pray the Lord has mercy on your soul.✝️❤️🌍

[@candiray]

Last year, I sprayed a milk/water mixture after each rain since I knew the high humidity (I'm in Georgia, zone 7) was a perfect situation for powdery mildew to grow. This worked very well as a preventive. Now to figure out how to keep Squash Vine Borers away.

[@ashleymcdonald2239]

@@candiray Thank you. I will definitely try that. Squash vine bores are the worse.

[@arlenewelch1]

Will this hurt the blossoms or interfere with pollination?

[@Cowboy_Steve]

The Dawn acts as a surfactant and breaks up the surface tension of the water... which keeps it from beading up and rolling off the leaves! Also great for helping home made weed killer stick to the plants and even soak into the ground down to the roots. Good stuff!

[@alrachid2]

This is not related to your video but I had a crazy, wild, vivid dream last night about getting to hang out with you. We shared a wonderful hug and our families spent an afternoon together at your house (which wasn't actually your house, lol, it was something my mind had imagined.) You were showing me your garden and suddenly a flood came! Which might have been a good thing because there was a 20 foot snake in your garden and you couldn't believe it! The mind works in mysterious ways, not sure what was going on in my subconscious to bring this dream about but I felt like I actually got to meet you, and I was thankful for that. I wasn't sure why I was so fortunate to spend my afternoon with such a wonderful person. I had to come to the computer and tell you my dream before it left me forever. Love ya Luke and I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!

[@AdoptedYooper]

You're amazing, man. I've enjoyed your videos for a long time because of your naturalistic approach to gardening. God Bless brother 🙏

[@BookButler]

Oh my word thank you!! I was feeling a bit hopeless over this issue. Excited to have a game plan!

[@markbrock8662]

Thanks for the great video! Here in AZ we have monsoon rain almost daily from early July until September. That is our mildew season. I've never tried to control it, although last year I set in a second planting from seed in Mid-Aug and that crop did better than the spring crop. I'll give your solution a try this season.

[@stevebaker8322]

Thanks again, Luke. Great video; I like the old "Grow big or go home" video wrap-up. Grow Bigger is next level as far as I can tell. Great job to the team @ MIgardener.

[@ChrisM-ve6qc]

I didn’t see any comments from people who tried this after seeing the video. There was a lot of enthusiasm by the early commenters, but no data that I could see in the comments about actual results in subsequent years. I did try this recipe based on a friend’s recommendation in ‘24 but it must’ve been too late in the season because it had no effect on my yellow squash or pumpkins. I know it’s heresy to many people, but I did use a copper based fungicide later in the season, which seems to work. However, it ends up being very expensive. I did learn one thing which is even after the mildew destroyed the yellow squash leaves the yellow squash plants rebounded with new growth.

[@marthakratz7877]

What a welcome solution to that problem - thank you, thank you, thank you. 😊

[@MIgardener]

Thanks for watching Martha!

[@Minnesota_Mama_Bear]

Thanks from next year's garden! 💚🌞

[@madammazon2942]

Thanks for the video. Could you do something on distinguishing powdery mildew (or blight for that matter) from other things? I don't actually know what the visual differences are compared to things like the leaves getting old or a little heat burned so they crinkle and get a little brown... Thanks!

[@debbiefockler9890]

Thank you so much for this video. I do have powdery mildew on my zucchini leaves. I found information that said to spray a milk solution every two days and baking soda every three. I did cut many of my leaves off and compost them as the plants needed trimming anyway. It has rained the last two days, so I haven’t sprayed at all. I will be going out this morning to check on the status of the plants. I was spraying the underside which, because of you, I will not be doing anymore. Take care.

[@lindameyer3005]

Amy: Your interpretation is certainly more encouraging than mine, so I will try to keep it mind. I just wasn’t familiar with it. I believe community gardens are an excellent idea however I haven’t heard of any in my area.

[@debkincaid2891]

Always great content delivered with enthusiasm and joy. Love this info. Thx~

[@MIgardener]

Awe thanks Deb!

[@zett973]

Love the explanation. Better than just blindly using milk or whatever random solutions I see videos on

[@AmericanPatriot-1776]

Thank you I will try this. I also have small Sycamore trees I started from seeds I found at the base of a very big tree and they get the spores.

[@helenalderson6608]

Thanks so much! We have so much powdery in our area. Cold nights and foggy days

[@evelyn.8967]

I ALWAYS have issues with powdery mildew season after season. I’m going to try this and see if I can finally get some cukes!

[@gabrielle975]

I found a video of yours that indicates that you shouldn't spray until you see the issue spreading. It was the video where you addressed the different products to combat fungal issues. One being copper fungicide and also the baking soda mix. Then I found this video. I always figured preventive measures were best but the other video had me wondering.

[@lcostantino7931]

Perfect timing, thanks

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you so much! It is good to know that it is in all soil.

[@buckeyethor]

I lost so many plants to PM this year. Hopefully, this info can help me next year!

[@MIgardener]

Hope this helps you!

[@TheChunjun]

Thank you. Going to try this on my Crepe Myrtles starting tomorrow. They always get powdery mildew.

[@kristinbrowning-mezel2379]

Thank you!!! My fall cucumber is getting going and I hope to use this suggestion 🤓🤓

[@mrmacgregorshomestead233]

If you have food grade neem oil then a few drops of that in the baking soda/Dawn solution can help as well.

[@quietone613662]

I've had luck with digging up perennial plants and fixing the drainage issues. I spray with milk and water as a preventative It works with cucumbers too.

[@Desired11718]

Oh how I needed this video all season!

[@bwayne40004]

Adding this to my list of things to do. Fall zucchini is looking good, I'm going to keep it that way.

[@MykDamage]

Try potassium bicarbonate in place of the baking soda. Less sodium and it works better at controlling wpm.

[@KOKO-uu7yd]

I'll have to look up potassium bicarbonate. It seems like I SHOULD know it...🤨😅 Thanks!!

[@MykDamage]

@@KOKO-uu7yd 1 teaspoon per gallon with a few drops of Dawn to make it stick :)

[@resourcefulgirl]

Thank you! I always learn from your channel. This is so important as the world changes so keep doing everything you are doing.

[@rustysmoviecollectibles5875]

Thanks so much for the information! Will try this on my squash plant 👍

[@pixiegirl1730]

Thanks! Just started my fall cukes!

[@iamskazi]

Neem oil spray solution works well for me. Also keeps some pests away.

[@basicbaroque]

Saving this video for next year! I'll have to try it.

[@michelec.6888]

Too late for this year but, I’m now ready for next year! Thank you!!

[@SenterStuff]

Glad to get this information! Thanks! ~Cassandra Senter, Zone 9A, Laguna Beach, FL

[@clghidra]

Another great one. Only place I go for straight shooting on our gardening woes. Can plastic or wood chip mulch help to stave it off, too, by reducing soil contact?

[@andreawimer4334]

I fought this all summer. Need to do a real good fall cleanup. It would have helped tons if my neighbor took care of his garden. Im sure the spores continually blew over.

[@pgarwood]

My zukes and cukes are suffering and I use this baking soda spray most evenings. It’s helping a bit. I wish I would have know I can use this earlier in the season as a preventative. I guess next year.

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

GREAT info, thank you so much! Solved my sunflower issue question.

[@linusstick]

I know this is an old video but was hoping you’d see this question. I’m pitching all my cucumber plants (in containers) because they all died from fungal disease. I don’t have enough potting soil for the ones I have under lights for my fall garden. Can I reuse the soil those plants? I scraped the top layer of soil off, mixed in some organic fertilizer and compost and was wondering if I put transplants in there in a different area if that was a bad idea? I have kale transplants I could put in there as the kale seems to not be bothered by it. Thanks!

[@jackzampella5758]

Just a simple -- Thanks so much 👍

[@dangalimidi]

I literally have that starting now to my zucchini. Great info! Will try that!

[@homelife8597]

Too late. My melons and cucumbers and squashes are done. This is good info for next year. I heard milk works too but I’ve never tried.

[@davidluczynski978]

I tried milk with my squash, it worked visually but always came back and is now killing em

[@dalegaa4094]

Thank you. Not much of a problem for me this year but will us as a preventative next year to be safe.

[@Poseidonponds]

Thanks so much, Luke. Great information.

[@MrEmerica411toy]

Luke, I have personally had better results using potassium bicarbonate and it leaves me wondering. Is there really any benefit to use potassium bicarbonate vs sodium bicarbonate? My initial thought was sodium would possibly build up salts in the soil. But on the other hand potassium could be beneficial to the soil. Am completely wrong in this thinking?

[@kylenmaple4668]

Potassium bicarbonate is better in my opinion. Not too much difference tho in my experience since you don’t use very much. Id be worried more about pH than salt build up

[@willbass2869]

Too much of anything is bad. Even potassium

[@emkn1479]

I’m going to go try this right now, thanks!

[@lauragroshans2716]

What if you spray like you explained and it rains the next day ? Should you spray again or wait a week . I’m past preventative it’s on all my cucumbers

[@missourigirl4101]

Thanks Luke. First year for me growing squash and have this. So frustrating.

[@shabella457]

I love your channel. As a novice gardener I’m getting very useful info from you. Thank you for this vid. I’ll keep this in mind for next year for sure because my cukes and zucchini are done for at this point. Can you say where you purchased the container/sprayer? I want one!

[@schnder1]

Wondering what to do with a large container (no plants) that has the white mildew on the soil. Can it be baked and reused or treated in anyway with baking soda? or do I have to toss it? Thanks for any pointers.

[@jbigs3684]

LOve the info! What size (length) are your cattle panels? TY!

[@leeroybrewer776]

Will this also help on tomatoes?

[@99Zdog1]

Great vid!! Wondering...is there any way to mitigate powdery mildew in the soil itself?

[@AmonarayIsalay]

What about roses that require acid soil?

[@jimkostek6274]

Is a lite soak on the soil a beneficial prevention tool also?

[@MewcePewpz]

love this channel, thanks for these vids!

[@marks2254]

How soon should you see results with the 1 tablespoon recipe?

[@nataliecouch4849]

That’s my biggest problem in the garden! I thought it was in the air! And that when you water from the above, it sticks to the leaves… Huh! Thanks for the fantastic info!

[@FloridaGirl-]

What brand of sprayer is that? It has a good soray on it!!

[@geraldwhite6029]

I’m in north Florida. Raining about every day now. Should I still wait for one week spraying even after the rain ? Can you spray in the evening instead of morning?

[@xenothonstelnicki597]

heh Came to say the same from NCFL. "once a week" lol

[@dt8ustotten285]

Have used baking soda, a little soap forever. Found that adding apple cider vinegar as a major ingredient made the difference. But also cutting back leaves as much as possible has been the win for me this year. Thanks.... yup WEAK plants take on the fungus first. Have been getting rid of these plants more aggressively this year.. WIN!

[@FrikInCasualMode]

But... when you mix alkaline soda and acidic vinegar you end with neutral ph. Nothing changes. How is that supposed to work?

[@willbass2869]

Excellent to remove oldest leaves. Reduce that moisture around plant

[@dt8ustotten285]

@@FrikInCasualMode ?? The apple cider made all the difference. Science wise I know what you are saying but it did work. Thanks for the reply.

[@agroaksu2987]

Already lost my fall cucumbers because of random frost night, did use veil though. Will see how fall garlics end up forming if theres 30 days needed for growth and frost night are so random. Not too easy gardening here in Finland at 60° north either O_o

[@CyberSerene]

Great tip!

[@cathyny83]

The water pump is so handy

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 🌱🏜️

[@lorrigierman7089]

Perfect timing! Definitely going to give this a try. One quick question...my garden does get some overspray from our underground sprinkling. Should I apply this more than once per week?

[@d.rabbitwhite]

So what is it that is on under side of the leaf?

[@marbleheadhick81]

Could you use this mixture as a weekly tomato blight preventative also?

[@umiluv]

Can you talk about downy mildew? Once the temps cooled down, all my basils were affected. I saw in a different video that it’s just all over in the air in the East Coast. The only solutions offered were getting resistant cultivars and bringing the plants in on humid nights. Any help would be appreciated!

[@lindafogarty3924]

Where can I get one of the sprayers you use? Thanks so much for your videos!

[@charliewilliams8794]

Thank you im playing catch up. Question if you have downy mildew what do I do to my bed for fall or is it like powder mildew?

[@kcconynemtmior]

Very helpful!

[@akelkhunter]

So what soil conditions accelerate the initial spread of the mildew? Too damp of soils and not letting them dry between watering? Lack of fertilizer and nutrients? Or? Thanks

[@sabrinasherburn1850]

In your original video for this recipe you also added 2 tablespoons of oil per gallon and the soap was just the emulsifier. In this recipe you dropped the oil. Is there a reason for this? Thank you so much!

[@gardeningnewearth3680]

Thanks ⭐️ Great Video I’m going to give the baking Soda spray a try... minus the dishwashing liquid tho haha

[@westcoast8562]

I'd be very careful with that dosage and test a leaf or two and wait 48hrs before spraying everything. I've seen plants burn at 1 tablespoon per gallon even when spraying early in the AM. I keep it to 1tsp. Per gallon with 1tablespoon of full fat milk per gallon . You will notice the milk will make the leaves a bit shiny. You can test the pH of you mix using pH drops. 9-10 pH will do. Best thing is to have healthy vigorous organically grown plants to start but yea you'll be in tough if the nightly humidity rises and temperatures start dropping below 10 degrees celcious and oh yea don't overwater late in the season use minimal water and let the soil dry before watering again. 😄

[@jenniferbyrne4567]

I get powdery mildew without soil! I have a tower garden. What ph is good to keep it at?

[@scottswan3722]

Can this be done in the evening after the sun has gone down? I figure it gives the solution longer to dry.

[@OnLongIsland]

Thanks. I’ll have to do that next year. I’d use organic dish soap over Dawn with its chemicals. 🤔😘🥰🌱🌿🥕🍅🥬

[@populigaudeamus6299]

Thanks Garden Daddy 👨

[@chilibilly22]

what about sulfer powder? Is that okay to use?

[@sweetpeabrown261]

What about the salt in baking soda? Will I wreck my soil?

[@teresaf.6009]

Thank you for the info but oh my gosh, I think Dawn dish soap is toxic. Look into it and see what you think..

[@roller9158]

Hello, Your videos are very helpful. Can you spray seedlings ? Thank You

[@terrivance8750]

Luke, As a professional aquarist, I learned decades ago that it is far easier, & better for the fish, to opt for species that adapt well to your water parameters than try to adjust the parameters to suit the fish. I tend to choose garden denizens much the same as I choose fish. Which brings me to my question. My native VA soil is predominantly acid clay, ergo, most of my plants are acid loving/tolerant varieties. You said that, to treat downy mildew, you raise or LOWER the pH on the leaves just a bit, therefore, it should be possible to also use vinegar as a treatment, correct? If using household vinegar, what would be the measurement per gallon of water? Thank you in advance for your advice! 😊

[@sabrinasherburn1850]

Hi Terri! I actually just watched another video Luke did 2 years ago called "My Mid Summer Spraying Regiment for Blight, Powdery Mildew, and Pests." In this video mentioned using apple cider vinegar as a way to treat an acute case of Powdery Mildew instead of as a preventative measure. He suggested about 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Good luck!

[@terrivance8750]

Thank you. 😊

[@Chris29909]

This is such Great news thanks so much

[@dougmorissette459]

Excellent information in this video! Will this work the same way in a greenhouse? Also, should I be removing leaves that are already infected with powdery mildew? Thanks.

[@aSASa45454]

Should you also spray under the leaves to prevent downy mildew?

[@MrsBob-fn5gs]

Can you do an update on your cattle fence trellises? Do you use them? Do you still like them?

[@umiluv]

I have cattle panel trellises and I love them. The plants weaved well in them. You have to train the stems but it works great. Our neighbors saw ours and are thinking about doing it for their beans.

[@morningwoodfarms713]

You never mentioned Downey mildew. Will this application will work for that too? It usually comes along with powdery mildew. Downey mildew is harder to combat once you have it on your plants, so preventative is the only way to go. This year has been a historic fungus year in our garden. SO strange. It's literally on everything. Even our peppers. We've NEVER seen this big of an outbreak before. I'm so burned out from spraying, and am out of copper fungicide. In a normal year, I would have to buy only 1 bottle. This year, 2 was needed. Thanks for a cheap alternative to try out, Luke. I pray it's as magical as my copper spray. 🙏

[@baldnproud]

Thank you luke! 😊