Powdery mildew in zucchini

I have a bad case of powdery mildew in my zucchini. I wasn't able to get out into the garden for about 5 days and everything went haywire. Is there anything that I can do to rectify it? Should I rip up the zucchini plants? I have lost one of them already, and I am afraid it is spreading to my squash.

If I rip out the zucchini, can I plant a fall crop of spinach in the zucchinis place...or will the powdery mildew affect that too from the soil?

TIA!

Using a cheap $10 sprayer that you can get at Home depot or Lowes. Take 9 parts water and 1 part milk and spray them. This will stop mildew in it's tracks. I use it for roses, phlox and monarda and it works. I started at 3 times a week now I do once a week in the evenings and it stopped it within days.

I'm willing to try anything...off to get a sprayer. Thanks for the tip!

I know it really worked for me, it was cheap, with no nasty chemicals. You have to tell us how it worked for you.

Here's a link about it.
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/tv-mildew.html

Thanks for the info, I also noticed the white mildew on my zukes and cukes, I went out and bought a battery powered sprayer from Home Depot ($5 on clearance!). How long till results?

I noticed a difference within the first week.

How often did you spray? Daily?

I started with three times a week but I think you could do every day if you wanted. Then once a week to use as a preventive. Better to do in the evening so the water from the mix doesn't amplify the sun's rays and end up burning the leaves.

Alright, I'll try that. Thanks.

what % of milk are you using? The study mentioned skim, but i have standard 2% here... do I need to go grab some skim milk for the best results, or has anyone else used 2% w/ the same results?

Thanks
Gwen

The higher the percentage of butter fat, the more stinky it becomes as it decomposes. Still works but that is one of the reasons I prefer to use baking soda.

I used regular 2% and it wasn't stinky at all. It worked great.

I was wondering about my Bee Balm and now I have the answer. What was the concoction of baking soda? I am quite intrigued. Please let me know the ratio and I will give it a go.

Thanks in advance!

Elaine

My zucs died...must not have gotten it fast enough.

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
http://www.naturalgardeneraustin.com/information/recipes/fungicide.html
http://www.ipmofalaska.com/files/homemadefungicide.html

Farmerdill - Can't say thanks enough for all the amazing information you provided. My gardening hat is off to you!

Many thanks!

Elaine

I tried the milk mixture, the mildew seems to have gotten worse. Today I sprayed with baking soda/ dishsoap and water. I sure hope it helps. I cut away all the dead leaves. My plants are still producing, hope this is a good sign. Joy

I am so sorry about the mildew problem. I'm sorry the milk didn't work like it was supposed to.