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Mildew

So remember pumpkin looking like it had a cocaine problem? Here are some close ups




Asked the Grandpa.  He had no clue.  I was floored, this has to be bad if a man who's been gardening for over 30 years had no clue what I was talking about.  I took to Facebook, because I have a fair amount of gardening friends (3), and thought I'd venture there.  Yes, I'm too lazy to Google.  The verdict was mildew, thank JC.  She suggested a combo of milk and water and if that didn't work the ever mentioned neem oil.

I tried the milk and water.  Nada.  This was right around Labor Day weekend.  Now, as mentioned before, I have a great nursery around 15 minutes away, but I find them a little spendy.  So I was lazy and waited until after Labor Day to hit up the nursery by my office.  Mistake.

Mildew spreads.  And worsens.  Fast.  The mildew is now on the pumpkin, zucchini, spaghetti squash, and cucumber.  Tomatoes, thankfully seem immune.  As is the watermelon.

So I went out and finally got the neem oil.  It's concentrated, directions said use one once per gallon water to remove mildew in 24 hours.

It removed it alright, by doing this to my plants:


  

 So now my garden looks like the 8th plague has struck.  On top of that, we received so much rain in the past two weeks, large portions of the state are still underwater.  This has not improved the situation at all.  Now I have mildew, waterlogged plants.

About a week ago, JC recommended baking soda.  And alas, after looking over this level of devastation I haven't bothered.  I think it's just toast.  Maybe I gave up.  But the zucchini had a good run.  And next year, I'll know to get my butt on it, and use WAY LESS neem oil.

No, I don't know what neem oil actually is, and I'm not looking it up right now.  Because I'm mad at it.


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