A milky drink for the cucumbers and tomatoes
Every year I get powdery mildew on my cucumbers (indoors and out), and sometimes on my courgettes (zucchini). It’s particularly bad if the weather is very hot or if there is high humidity. I was never too happy about spraying with sulphur powder so I’ve been surfing the net looking for alternatives. I came across this article in the New Scientist and this advice from the RNZIH (Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture) recommending the use of milk as a preventative spray. There are different mildews apparently, each specific to particular plant families. There was also some mention on garden forums about using milk on tomatoes to discourage tomato blight though there was little real evidence that it worked.
In the spirit of adventure I decided to offer milky drinks to both my cucumbers and tomatoes (as I’ve never been keen on using a copper mixture on tomatoes). Mind you the tomatoes couldn’t really avoid joining in as they’re sharing the greenhouse with two cucumbers. I also sprayed the outdoor cucumbers and tomatoes as well – in for a penny in for a pound as they say. The only problem is that I’m unsure what ratio of water to milk to use. Ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 4:1 9:1 and 10:1were mentioned in the various articles and posts.
I decided to try 2 of water to 1 of skimmed milk – I must admit the greenhouse smelled very milky when I’d finished so I think I’ll try more water next time! Perhaps a spoonful of drinking chocolate will improve the aroma. I’ll spray weekly and see how it goes. I’ve had tomato blight for the last five years on the outdoor tomatoes so I’ve got nothing to lose (except my toms of course). The courgettes can wait until I see some sign of mildew – otherwise I’ll have to buy my own cow to supply the milk required.
Have any of you tried spraying with milk? Perhaps I’m just unlucky getting mildew so often.
P.S. If you are having trouble with diseases on roses you might be interested in a post from VP at Veg Plotting. She describes a spraying regime used by the National Trust at Nymans Garden. This uses milk, bicarbonate of soda and a seaweed foliar feed as well as a conventional fungicide.
10 comments
I’m quite lucky not to have mildew problems, but I know that my indoor plants succumb to fungus when I don’t have fans blowing on them. Do you have good ventilation in your greenhouses? I wonder if that contributes to the mildew issues?
Gardenista – Yes I’ve got good ventilation in the greenhouse – and the mildew also affects my outdoor cucumbers. I’m putting it down to sheer bad luck!
the cucumbers are not as badly affected as the courgettes which we call here zucchini. I have never ever been able to grow them successfully they always are very badly affected by mildew. The normal cucumbers grow generally very well but the Lebanese ones succumb to mildew. Idon’t spray anything. We have a very humid climate in summer. I grow everything outdoors.
I have not sprayed with milk, but I am very interested in the results of your experiment. We have powdery mildew on several types of plants, so I will be watching to see how yours go. I have read of people using milk to feed tomatoes to help prevent blossom-end rot. They think the calcium in the milk helps prevent it. I don’t know if milk calcium is a form that the tomatoes can take up and be healthier. I do know that calcium is important for them – but milk? I think I will try it and see what happens. I have a box of powdered skimmed milk. Hmmmm..
Hi,
I haven’t used it myself but the National Trust’s Nymans garden is as part of their rose care programme.
My post about it is here – including their ‘recipe’ if you’re interested:
http://vegplotting.blogspot.com/2008/05/hints-tips-from-national-trust.html
PS Great idea to do an experiment and tell us all about it. More please!
Milk is something new for me, but I ‘m new in gardening also. I must reed about the using and effects and do an experiment to see the results
Thanks all for your comments.
I half thought about leaving one cucumber unsprayed as a “control” plant but couldn’t live with the guilt if it got mildew and the others didn’t!
VP – I’ve added your link to the main post.
Many thanks Easygardener! Have a great weekend :)
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