Powdery mildew.

I have powdery mildew on my sweetpeas and there are a lot of other plants nearby . I treated it with a fungicidal spray but then read of an alternative method using baking soda . Has anyone tried this and if so does it work ? I like the idea as I don't like using sprays etc . I also read that p. mildew hates water so would like to hear your comments or any other ideas on how to get rid of it.

Thanks , Jean.

Jean, a baking soda-based spray is commonly used against powdery mildew. Give it a try.

Jean - I used a milk and water spray on my Cues in the greenhouse and it did help

Pam x

Thanks for your help - I shall try both methods .

Jean.

How much baking soda do you use?

Apparently (I have no personal experience of this) you use 1 tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of washing up liquid to a gallon of water.

You should water the plants a day  or so ahead of spraying them with this and use caution (test a bit) as it can sometimes burn the leaves. Avoid doing it in bright sunlight. Apply to top and bottom of leaf.

you can also add 1 tablespoon of horticultural oil, which smothers the fungus.

I found this on About.com (Gardening).