[WG.]

Here is a recipe
http://www.sunningdaleallotments.org.uk/GardenRecipesV2.html



This is the advice I found elsewhere on the net

"
It will function better as a preventative (we spray at the beginning of May and again 3 weeks later - though it depends on the year).  It will also do a job a  treatment but preventative is much better."

You asked about sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ) which is baking soda (see my link posted 3-Dec).

Sodium carbonate is different stuff altogether.  It is washing soda Na2CO3 which seems very caustic to be using on plants.

[BAK]

WG,

the recipe with washing soda comes originally from Arthur Hellyer's book "The Amateur Gardener", 1st published 1948 (our 3rd edition published in 1970).

We have been using it for close on 20 years and it works fine.

[WG.]

Ta.

Don't think I'd use either but I don't grow gooseberries (yet).  

[londongardener]

WG,

the recipe with washing soda comes originally from Arthur Hellyer's book "The Amateur Gardener", 1st published 1948 (our 3rd edition published in 1970).

We have been using it for close on 20 years and it works fine.

Where do you buy the soft soap from ?  I am not sure what it is to be honest.

[daveylamp]

hi all
 used bak's recipe last year when i had a heavy infestation of mildew and it worked like magic even made it possible to rescue a couple of pies.
so will be mixing another brew this year before the blight rears its head.
my advise.- get some  and use it its good.
dave.

[londongardener]

hi all
 used bak's recipe last year when i had a heavy infestation of mildew and it worked like magic even made it possible to rescue a couple of pies.
so will be mixing another brew this year before the blight rears its head.
my advise.- get some  and use it its good.
dave.

But where did you buy the soft soap from

[daveylamp]

from good old aldi they sell a cheap washing up liquid.
i mixed a teaspoonfull into 1 gall of water in spray can with the soda.
had enough for a couple of drenchings.
think the soap helps the soda get to the mildew.
best of luck with them

[londongardener]

from good old aldi they sell a cheap washing up liquid.
i mixed a teaspoonfull into 1 gall of water in spray can with the soda.
had enough for a couple of drenchings.
think the soap helps the soda get to the mildew.
best of luck with them

So I can use washing up liquid - thanks a lot

[londongardener]

Yesterday I went to spray my gooseberries with washing soda solution to stop this but it was too late for my Langley gage.

I cut the infected bit off and sprayed it  and the others with the preventive mix.
Apart from spraying and watering every day does anyone have an idea to prevent any more damage.