Powdery Mildew (on Pumpkin vines)

his are leaves from my pumpkin vine. As you can see I have white spots or powdery mildew growing on them. In the past I thought this was just due to me watering the leaves (I don't water the leaves anymore either) but after doing some research I've learned its powdery mildew. This happens on lots of different plants. It's usually due to more than one condition happening. It happens in shady areas, over watered areas, and areas of poor air circulation.

There are many ways to combat powdery mildew. One of which is to use a fungicide. They make both chemical and organic versions. I am currently using an organic Copper fungicide. It's mainly a soapy solution. You spray on the leaves to combat the disease. If left unchecked PM will make your leaves turn yellow and gray and they will eventually die. It does also hinder plant growth. Last year I didn't know much about PM and it basically killed off my pumpkins. The pumpkins themselves survived but the vine wasn't much for PM. I salvaged four decent sized pumpkins somehow. Don't let this happen to your plants. Ask your local garden supply for the right weapon against PM.

I've already noticed a difference to the leaves I've treated with fungicide and they seem to be recovering. If caught early enough they do make a come back. Other plants I've noticed developing PM include squash and zucchini.

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Recycled sunflower stalks used to make grapvine trellis

So a little while back a posted about my grapevine extending out from my fence into the alley. It needed some support for it to continue its growth. So I brainstormed and thought what better way than to re-use the stalks from the sunflowers as a natural trellis. So I found a few tall stalks that were great for the task. I literally had to hatchet the stalks down. My clippers weren't strong enough to cut through their thickness. I already broke one set of pruners trying. I stripped the leaves off and dug them into the ground. Then used a smaller stalk as a cross beam for the vine to travel down. I think they really work out well. They similar color to the vine itself and add a natural touch to what would probably be an artificial structure. I have no idea how long they will hold up but I'm hoping a long time. Especially once the vine become entangled. I've also used some of the smaller sunflower stalks to create support sticks for leaning plants. I reccommend trying to...

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