Milk is one of the most essential beverages out there. It provides nutrition to us humans from grandpa to baby. But did you know that it could also be a lifesaver for plants?
In fact, milk can be used to eradicate powdery mildew and also works as a fungicide.
Although it is not known for sure why it acts as a fungicide, it is believed that the protein in the milk fat creates an antiseptic effect when it’s exposed to sunlight. It appears that you can use either whole milk or skim milk. But people in the know suggest that you experiment with the skim milk. If you are experimenting, the scientific way is to spray the solution on some plants and not on others and then observe what happens.
Ridding Powdery Mildew With Milk
Milk is an ideal substance for preventing powdery mildew on your plants. So, it’s best to apply it just before warm temperatures and humidity settles in. Warm temperatures and humidity are the ideal conditions for the growth of powdery mildew.
You can spray the milk on plants just before the powdery mildew appears on susceptible plants or when the plants first start showing the signs of the mildew.
A variety of fungi cause powdery mildew. So a milk solution will be effective on some but not others. In addition, certain plants tend to respond best to the milk. These plants include:
- Apples
- Barley
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Zinnias
You may find that the solution will become sour on the plants and begin to emit an unpleasant smell. Don’t fret. This condition usually ends quickly. Still, the smell is really no worse than what commercial fungicides cause and the milk alternative is so much better for your plants and family because there are no chemicals.
To make the formula you will need the following:
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Milk
- Water
Brewing The Anti-fungal Solution
It is recommended that you mix a ratio of 40 percent milk and 60 percent water. However, it is also suggested that you play with the ratios to determine what best works for your plants.
Pour the mixture into an ordinary spray bottle or into a garden sprayer.
Applying the Solution
Lightly coat the surfaces of the susceptible plants of your garden. Some in the know suggest that you spray the plants when the sun is bright. As mentioned, it’s believed that the interaction of the sunlight with the protein in the milk unleashes the antifungal properties of the mix.
Spray the plants every 10 to 14 days. If you follow these directions, then powdery mildew will not threaten the unaffected plants. Spray properly on plants affected by the mildew as instructed and they will improve.
Some encourage that you continue to spray the plants with the solution throughout the time that warmth and humid conditions are present, even if the powdery mildew does not appear on the plants.
To avoid any chance of your plants getting powdery mildew, it is suggested that you plant disease-resistant plants and space them properly for the best air circulation. Water them in the morning. Sill, if a plant is infected; treat quickly because the fungus spreads fast.
(Source: thespruce.com)
