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A fungi that forms fine webs on the surfaces of leaves on live plants. Mildews thrive in warm, humid conditions and mainly affect plants not adapted to those conditions. Also referred to as powdery mildew
Mildew is one of the greatest bugbears known in gardening, but as nature would have it, the cure has been literally on our doorstep all along.....MILK!!
Enzymes in the milk attack and compound the mildew spores, stopping them from spreading, and at the same time coats the leaf from further attack.
The best method is to take 10 - 30% milk and the rest water, mix them in a spray bottle, and spray on the plant which seems to be under mildew attack, don't forget to spray under the leaves as well. Repeat this every 2 or 3 days until the mildew stops spreading, then repeat once a week.
I use a solution of 150cc milk, 850cc water, and it doesn't matter what type of milk you use. A neighbour of mine in Scotland even used milk-powder, and it worked for her.
I would be careful when moving up to the 30% mark, as you may end up with cheesy smelling plants, and that isn't so nice on a hot summers day.
Here's a link to my Journal at Dave's Garden with a wee explanation and some pictures:http://davesgarden.com/editgj/viewbycat.php?cat=8957
Several different types of fungi. Two popular types are downy and powdery. It leaves a white coating on the leaves. Common to crepe myrtle, zinnias, grapes, and roses - even bee balms. It shows up in cool, wet weather. Drip irrigation can prevent some occurrence. Plant disease resistant varieties.
