12:42 PM Fri, Nov 23, 2007 | Permalink
Cindy Brummer
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Powdery mildew on the squash plants |
In my enthusiasm to protect my garden from chilly winter nights, it looks like I've caused more harm than good.
Those row covers I used when the plants were just seedling made a reappearance when we had that cold snap a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, I should have removed them when the weather warmed up.
The moisture and crowding of the plants invited powdery mildew to take hold of the squash plants. With little airflow and humidity, the mildew grew and grew.
From what I've been reading, powdery mildew usually doesn't settle on the fruit... just the leaves and stems -- but it can affect the taste.
Rats.
When I saw the fungus, I felt like an idiot. The plants had been doing really well.
Well, here's what I need to do next time:
-- Give the plants space. I had four plants all in a short little row and they needed to breathe. Airflow discourages powdery mildew growth.
-- Plant in a sunny, well-drained area. I let my plants stay too wet. Hello?! It's fungus!!
-- Choose mildew-resistant varieties.
SIGH.
There's always next time.
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