Question
Hi, I live about 6 miles inland in San Diego.
My sugar snaps are dying off from mildew. I have a sprinkler system and know I need to water only the roots, is there a way to stop this. Also, next to my peas are cucumbers that are now showing patchy brown spots on the leaves--is this a similar process??  When do you know when the cucumbers are ready to pick/eat?
Thank you very much.
Josh

Answer
Josh, powdery mildew is spread through spores in the soil or the air. The spores are splashed onto the plant during rain or when blown by the wind.  Many times even indoor plants are affected by plants or soil brought in from outdoors. Although the disease seldom proves fatal, it can cause the plant to prematurely lose its foliage which could result in a smaller harvest.

The best treatment for powdery mildew is lime sulfur.  This is an all-purpose fungicide which will help control the disease.  Another option is fungicidal soap.  Gardens Alive markets an excellent organic fungicide called Soap Shield.  You can research this product online at:

http://www.gardensalive.com/prog_display.asp?PROG_NBR=5

I am also attaching a website that will give you detailed information on this disease:

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/3000/3047.html

Cucumbers should be picked when approximately 4-6 inches long.  I prefer to harvest them on the smaller side due to better crispness and flavor.  Never leave them on the vine too long or else they become bitter and tough.

I hope this information helps.  Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike