Help - whats killing my squash!

[rainyp5655]

My squash are getting covered in what I think is mildew (See Picture)

.

I have already lost 2 pumpkins. can anyone confirm thats what it is and what should I spray on them to prevent it ( No Chemicals)


Thanks

Loraine

[Reks]

I have had courgette mildew in the past but that did not stop courgettes forming. I would think same applies to squash.

I am interested in the view of more experienced folks.

[rustylady]

The mildew (if that is what it is) won't kill the plant.

Try spraying it with milk and water mixture

In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. While some gardeners may be tempted to increase the concentration of milk for more control, Bettiol found that once concentrations rose above 30%, an innoccuous fungus began to grow on the plants. How does milk control powdery mildew?

Read more: Using Milk to Control Powdery Mildew | Garden Guides Using Milk to Control Powdery Mildew | Garden Guides

[Farmer_Gyles]

i always have mildew on squashes and courgettes - but i still get squashes and courgettes
i've found that most grow, but some shrivel up and die - no idea why, just happens - and makes no difference whether we have mildew or not - some grow, some die

[rainyp5655]

Thanks very much, I wish I knew that before I pulled two tatty looking plants up.. Will try the milk option as suggested..

[Farmer_Gyles]

should add, i sometimes snap off the worst affected leaves - normally i'm too busy to bother

[taff]

powdery mildew, but don't bother playing with it if you don't want to, the plant will be fine. The worst affected leaves will fall off eventually, but it won't kill your plant. You find it a lot on squashes and on courgettes, that type fo thing, so beware, don't go pulling any more up

[Thelma Sanders]

Make sure they are well watered, dry roots makes them more likely to get mildew.

[Tiberius]

I agree with Thelma, I've been successfully growing squash and courgettes for years (my favourite things to grow), this is the first year I have been consistent with watering on a daily basis and it's also the first year the plants have been mildew free