White mould!!!

[Forget-me-Not]

Hi,

I have a white dusty type mould appearing on my courgettes in patch, posibly a tub and in greenhouse. It's possibly on pumpkin and melon too. (Nearing school pick up, not time to check.)

I've never had it before but they seem to be growing OK. I don't use chemicals and have companion planted too.

Could anybody tell me what it is and what I can do about it please?
Thanks ever so much.

2nd poster
Beth

[Lance]

Beth
It is powdery mildew. I have a bit on squashes and courgettes. I think it is caused via a combination of dry soil and a moist atmosphere. There are treatments available. I suffered from it a bit last year but still managed to get a fair crop of courgettes.

[terrier]

So far this season, I've not heard anyone say that they havn't got powdery mildew on something or other. My courgette plants and pumpkins are a nice shade of grey but the survivors of the squashes are holding out a bit better.

[Nicos]

I get it every year on the courgette and squash. I just ignore it!

[Forget-me-Not]

Hi Lance, Terrier and Nicos,

Thanks ever so much. I'll not worry about it and look forward to the courgettes etc.
Thanks ever so much.

Beth

[Alison]

Like Nicos, I just ignore it - doesn't look too good but still get a good healthy crop. Think you need to make sure the soil is kept damp to avoid getting it but can't remember properly.

[The Doctor]

I would gently suggest that keeping the soil wet can't be the whole story, given people have it all over the place and it's not exactly dry anywhere lately!

I've had it every year so far, I ignore it and ignoring it hasn't stopped decent crops. (so far - fingers crossed!)

[Flummery]

I always get it. There's too much in the world to worry about without taking on mildew. I usually sow a few seeds later on to take over when they peg out.

[Alison]

I would gently suggest that keeping the soil wet can't be the whole story, given people have it all over the place and it's not exactly dry anywhere lately!

You'd think so wouldn't you but it's probably one of those mysteries of life.