I'm curious about powdery mildew and why it's affecting my fall peas and some zucchini seedlings I've tried to grow. I know that normally it thrives in hot and humid conditions, but right now, it's been quite windy and far from humid here in SE Wisconsin (zone 5B). My plants are still fairly small, under a foot tall, and not at all crowded, plus I avoid overhead watering. So what gives? Any insights on what's causing this and tips on how to prevent or treat it?
3 Answers
Remember, powdery mildew is just a fungus that spreads through air and contact. It might seem concerning, but it’s manageable. Keeping your area clean by disposing of contaminated plant material is crucial since these fungi are always around. They really take hold when the plant is stressed. It’s not usually a death sentence for your plants, so don’t sweat it too much! Make sure to remove any affected foliage to help keep the rest healthy.
Mildew can indeed be tricky! While it often likes wet weather, it can also strike under other conditions. A popular organic treatment is using milk or potassium bicarbonate. If you're looking for something more robust, there are chemical options available, but going with a resistant variety and providing full sun is your best bet for a sustainable solution.
It can be frustrating dealing with mildew. Even though it prefers moisture, it can still thrive in less humid conditions if other factors weaken the plants. Just like with people, plants are exposed to various pathogens all the time; it’s really about their overall health and resistance that determines if they get sick. Optimal care is key to helping them fend it off!
Totally agree! Similar to how our immune systems work, our plants need a good environment to stay strong against diseases.