Question From: Ada, Michigan, United States
Q: I planted my cucumbers and they came up fine, when they started to spread out I noticed a yellowing of the leaves on the far side of the garden. Within a week the yellowing creeped up and got to all the vines and dried up. I have never had this problem before. Now all the plants are about dead.... HElp!!!
Your cucumber contracted a disease known as downy mildew. Now you have to wait until next year. Spraying the vines, including the undersides of leaves with a fungicide will help protect them. I use a produce called ACTINOVATE that is a beneficial bacteria that is environmentally friendly. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
Q: Hi Nancy, thanks for info.... is it possible that my tomatoes have the same thing... the leaves on them did kindof the same thing. Should I be doing something to my soil to help so this wont happen again... its very frustrating! Thanks! cya...lynn
Lyn, Downy mildews are air borne so you can treat the soil to protect them. I would plant them in a different spot next year, but spraying with Actinovate every 7 to 10 days during the summer is the best protection. Best Nancy
