Baking Soda/Powdery Mildew

My experience with baking soda is that it MAY be a slight deterrent, but does not stop or eliminate powdery mildew. Also, if the mildew has started, you've got to actually rub the baking soda solution onto the spot with your fingers - not something I have time for in a whole pumpkin patch.

It would be well worth a disciplined test to start baking soda before the appearance of any mildew, and apply it very regularly plus after any precip to see how it works as a preventive. Diligence would be essential.

It is my belief, arrived at reluctantly over several years, that although many *natural* remedies are infinitely more appealing than those nasty toxic chemicals, Atlantic Giants are by nature masochistic, not only attracting every possible pumpkin pest, but becoming intensely aphrodisiac to them. In most U.S. or Canadian locations, if you want to successfully cultivate AG's, you have to use chemicals. If you choose your chemicals wisely, you don't have to use great quantities, but use them you must. IMHO.

Rumor has it that if you go far enough north, you will find a *bug line* beyond which the nasties can't survive. If you are completely against toxic chemicals, you could always consider relocating. (smile)

Beth


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