A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum Vegetable Gardening browning/drying cucumber & gourd leaves

Hey gardening gang! We're growing cucumbers & gourds up an old step ladder. It looks beautiful (especially in the early morning when the gourds are blooming)! I did not thin the seedlings. I didn't fertilize @ all, other than compost & cow manure. We're harvesting cucumbers (they're delicious, of course) & we have 3-5 gourds growing (slowly, but growing).

I've noticed some of the leaves of the cucumber plants are turning brown/dying. I've also noticed white powdery spots on the gourd leaves. What is it? It seems to be starting @ the bottom & working it's way up. We have it covered w/newspaper & then straw on top (no weeds for us!).

Thanks for the advise!!
Sarah

Probably powdery mildew on the gourds. I'm combating this as well and am going to try the 'home' remedy: water + baking soda sprayed on the leaves. It's a long shot but you could try it. Or an over-the-counter fungicide. I don't think it hurts the fruit, but if enough leaves get covered with it, it slows photosynthesis and the fruit will be affected-- stunted.

Good luck. Love the step ladder idea.