Beat Powdery Mildew: Save Your Leaves Without Chemicals

Those white, dusty blotches on your zucchini or roses? That’s powdery mildew—one of gardening’s most common fungal foes. It’s unsightly but fixable. Here’s how to stop it organically and prevent its return, all while keeping your garden healthy and pollinator‑friendly.

Spotting the Signs
Powdery mildew starts as pale spots that spread fast across leaves, stems, and buds. It thrives in warm days, cool nights, and stagnant air—especially when plants are crowded.

Natural Control Methods

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon liquid soap in 1 gallon of water; spray weekly.
    
2. Prune for airflow and space plants properly.
    
3. Water soil directly, not leaves, to reduce humidity.
    
4. Apply neem oil or milk spray as preventative treatments.
    

Prevention Over Cure
Choose resistant varieties, avoid late‑day watering, and rotate crops annually. Healthy, well‑fed plants shrug off infections more easily. Compost infected leaves—don’t toss them in the pile.

Powdery mildew may be persistent, but it’s no match for steady, natural defenses. With airflow, smart spacing, and a touch of DIY spray, your garden will stay fresh, clean, and fungus‑free.