Mildew is the number one plant pest in rose beds. It also doesn't stop at many vegetable plants - much to the annoyance of many gardeners. Are you also struggling with the annoying parasite? Before you resort to aggressive chemical agents, you should try to scare the pest away with milk. The following guide will provide you with relevant information.
How does milk work against mildew?
Milk helps against powdery mildew because the lactic acid bacteria it contains prevent the fungus from spreading. To do this, mix milk with water in a ratio of 1:9 and spray the affected plant every few days, including neighboring plants for prevention.
How it works
Mildew is caused by a fungus that cannot tolerate acid. The microorganisms contained in milk are lactic acid bacteria, which cause exactly this aversion. For this reason, buttermilk or other liquid dairy products are also suitable for combating them. On top of that, milk contains sodium phosphate, which strengthens the plants' own defenses. You therefore do not have to use the milk mixture in the event of an acute infestation, but can spray the plant with it as a preventive measure.
Powdery and downy mildew
Mildew comes in two types. Unfortunately, milk only works against powdery mildew. In contrast to downy mildew, you can recognize it by the white spots on the top of the leaves, which turn brown after a while. Downy mildew, on the other hand, spreads to the underside of leaves. If the latter or even both leaf sides are affected, you must resort to alternative plant protection. For example, the larvae of the fungal ladybird, also known as the twenty-two-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), feed on both types of mildew.
Create the solution
- mix milk (or any milk drink) with water in a ratio of 1:9
- fill the solution into a spray bottle
- spray the affected plant with the mixture every few days
- To prevent the pest from spreading, it is recommended to also spray neighboring plants with the milk-water solution
