Powdery mildew

Quite a few of my Cucumber leaves have developed powdery mildew already

I don't want to use a chemical spray and seem to remember something about using full cream milk and water - I think the ratio was 1 part milk to 9 parts water . Does anyone know about this ,please

Pam x

That is it Pam-though some say skimmed milk

Thanks Geoff  A few years ago we visited a garden in Cornwall where they gardened by the phases of the moon- the chap there told us about the milk thingy and I thought he said full cream milk What shall I do - decisions ,decisions !!!

I think the milk thing is because full cream is thicker and might block the sprayer but as it is diluted that shouldn't be a problem?

Just watch out for cats

I will

I will let you know if it works or not

Pam x

The milk needs to have some fat in it as far as I know, just to confuse matters further

It didn't work for me, but I probably wasn't persistent enough.

My courgettes always seem to get it & I just cut those leaves off, by then there are usually more than enough young healthy leaves below.

This year that may not be the case though, as they're growing so slowly, so more persistent milk spraying may well be worth a try. 

Good luck with it, Pam......dilute 1 part milk to 10 in water and spray

You do have to be very persistent with the milk spray - we're talking every couple of days for at least a fortnight.

Thanks everyone - I will be persistent as I don't want to use a chemical spray - the greenhouse will most likely smell like a dairy

Pam x

Do make up a fresh spray every time, or it'll smell like a rancid one

This sounds like what is attacking my Honeysuckle. Is that possible. As you might have gathered I'm a novice gardener ...... but very keen

Yes, it'll be mildew. If it gets a real grip, affected leaves will turn yellow and drop. It can be caused byu the wet and humid atmosphere.

Try spraying it when it's dry; if it becomes really bad you can try pruning it out. You won't solve the problem until the weather improves, though.

Thanks!