How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew with Homemade Methods

Powdery mildew is a common fungus that affects a wide variety of plants. Powdery mildew thrives in warm, dry climates. It needs fairly high humidity, like the warm days and cool nights in late spring to early summer. It is easily identified and appears as light grey or white powdery spots usually found on infected leaves, but can also be found underneath, or on stems, flowers, fruit or vegetables. Most infection causes minor damage such as leaves turning yellow becoming withered or distorted, but plants can also become weak, bloom less and grow slower.

While a mild case of powdery mildew typically isn’t fatal, a severe infection can leech nutrients from the plant, causing leaves to wither and yellow. Loss of leaves in plants like tomatoes and peppers, can lead to sunscald of the fruit. Colorado State University Extension Spores of powdery mildew spread by wind. It can survive the winter in plant debris or compost piles. Make sure to dispose of infected plants and leaves to help prevent future outbreaks.

Homemade Methods

In a gallon container or a clean milk jug and blend together 1 gallon of water. Then 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid non-detergent dish-washing soap. Spray liberally, getting top, bottom leaf surfaces and any affected areas. This method may work better as a preventative measure, although it does have some effect on existing powdery mildew as well.

Cut the affected leaves, stems, buds or vegetables from the plant and discard. Some perennials can be cut down to the ground and new growth will emerge. Do not compost any damaged or diseased foliage as the spores can spread and persist in the composted material. Disinfect pruners and all tools after using on infected plants. These methods are homemade and easy to get rid from powdery mildew.

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