In article ,
(Twobtold) wrote:

Hi --
I have been trying to control mildew in my garden with a spray of Sodium
bicarbonate (Baking Soda) and dishwashing liquid. Have had no success.
I started with a teaspoon of BS to a quart of water with a few drops of the
liquid soap every four days. I then increased it to 1 tablespoon of BS per
quart with the same 4-day interval and can't seem to stem the spread of mildew
(NJ, Z6).
It started on the Peony, then the Black-Eyed Susans, then Lilacs and then
the Pumpkin vines. (Not yet on Phlox which is unusual). Since it's on both the
Pumpkins and the flowers I might have both Downy and Powdery Mildew.
Anyone have a different home remedy that works? Or a different mixture
of the BS and soap that works?
Thanks (NJ,Z6)

A 1999 Brazilian study found that a spray of dilute MILK worked better
than any fungicide for controlling powdery mildew. Dilutions as weak as
10% milk were AT LEAST as effective as conventional fungicides, & at 20%,
much better than fungicides. Milk outperformed sulfer, baking soda,
horticultural oils, or any other remedy. What was formerly a serious
problem with an array of treatments that had hardly any effect, is now
easily controlled.

Here's an article on the first field study:
http://www.thefrugallife.com/mildew.html
And one of several follow-up field studies:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/pr/media/.../milkwine.html

Spray milk in the areas surrounding the infection so it will not spread to
new plants. You can spray the presently infected plants to keep the fungus
from increasing, though nothing will reverse the appearance at this stage

Then at the end of this year, you should sweep up the fallen lilac leaves,
& cut back all the remnant pumpkin vines & any other infected perennial,
bag & discard, rather than compost. This will limit the amount of spoors
harbored in the soil for next year. Then at the start of next spring, use
dilute milk to keep it from getting going again.

It may seem quite a wonder that this should be such a recent discovery,
but really it isn't so new, it is only newly field-tested -- the Brazllian
study with zuchinnis was first, with follow-up research in Australia & the
US duplicating the good results for grape vines & other plants. Greenhouse
workers have for a long time used milk as a tool disinfectant. And it is a
very old practice to "wash" houseplants with milk to keep the leaves
bright & shiny. These folk practices have been proven even more useful
than was previoiusly known.

It is still also important to water from the ground instead of frp,
overhead, & keep plants far apart & airy, as crowding & over-wetting helps
excite the disease.

-paghat the ratgirl

--
"Of what are you afraid, my child?" inquired the kindly teacher.
"Oh, sir! The flowers, they are wild," replied the timid creature.
-from Peter Newell's "Wild Flowers"
Visit the Garden of Paghat the Ratgirl: http://www.paghat.com