Today I was Asked,

 Today I was asked,

How do you deal with the white mould on the leaves that makes it way down the stems? I've given up on zucchini because of it? And what causes it? Thanks.

And I responded,

Answering the meaning of life might be easier but here goes.

How do you deal with the white mould on the leaves that makes it way down the stems?

There two organic ways I can think of, 1st is using something like Copper Oxychloride. Just follow the instructions on the packet. https://www.searlesgardening.com.au/.../SCX200--searles...

2nd is milk spray and this video shows this very well. https://youtu.be/4LOHItzP28w

Another way I'm trying this year, and so far with good results, is to buy mildew and virus-resistant seed. The variety I'm trying is from "Lambley Nursery" called Nitro F1. https://lambley.com.au/.../zucchini-nitro-f1-cucurbita-pepo

Also, remove the older leaves as soon as you notice any sign of powdery mildew forming and bin the leaf/leaves.

What causes it?

Humidity and underwatering and it is just in that family of plants that are really susceptible to powdery mildew.

Hope this helps.

26, 26 and 28mls

Since Christmas I've tiped out 26, 26 and 28mls from the rain gauge. I have powdery mildew on everything it can possibly grow on and then some. When it does fine up enough to work in the garden again I'll nearly have to start from scratch. But lovin the rain.

It's supposed to fine up this week so all the squash and zucchinis at the community garden will have to be pulled out. I have to see if I can rescue the rock melons and cucumbers. The rest of the potatoes will have to be dug up as well. I'll probably put in a quick summer green manure crop where they were and use the space for onions and brassicas. It looks like a rat or something is eating the corn before it is anywhere near ripe so it looks like I'll have to spring for some fine chicken wire and surround the corn with it and see if I can keep whatever it is out that way. Does it ever end? I suppose if it's good enough for something else to eat my food I must be doing something right.

And if I can ever remember to but the bloody lid back on the chook food when I finished feeding them I'll be a lot happier with myself too!
I hate it when you got no one to blame but yourself.

Cheers

Stewart