[mrpotatohead]

my pumpkin plant is covered in white mould. it's dry to the touch, although there looks to be a new bit of green growing at the tip. will this affect the pumpkin itself, or should i let it grow till the whole plant dies away? thanks for the info. it's my first pumpkin.

[angelavdavis]

It's powdery mildew.  One of my pumpkins (hundredweight) is the same.  It shouldn't affect the pumpkin, so long as there are some unaffected leaves to feed the plant.  If you can sustain the plant as long as possible, it will help the pumpkin ripen properly.  I have just fed mine with some liquid seaweed feed and removed the worst affected leaves.  

Mine is planted in a bed with other squashes yet it is the only one affected.  I don't spray and don't think there is a lot you can do - the wet summer has allowed all mildew type diseases to go mad this year!

[mrpotatohead]

thanks. it,s nice and orange, about the size of a loaf of bread, but i dont know how big it's supposed to get.

[Squibbs]

Milk has been shown to be quite effective in recent studies - use diluted (an internet shows anything from 1:9 to 1:2) the acidity generated seems to stop the mildew.

[mrpotatohead]

thanks i'll try that tonight after work.

[Dr_Pepper]

I'm going to use potassium bicarbonate at 10g/L - Food grade commodity substance (low-sodium baking powder) used for powdery mildew control on organic curcubits -  but I may give milk a try too if it works for you!

[Squibbs]

What's the worst that can happen ?

 

[mumofstig]

the pumpkin gets indigestion 

[Kirpi]

I know a dilute (1 in 10) solution of milk is supposed to hold back mildew. For the vegans amongst us, I have used Bicarnonate of Soda to good effect.

[allotmentann]

the pumpkin gets indigestion 

 

[Yorkie]

Members sometimes discuss making their own pesticides or uses for commercial products beyond those they are licensed for. Whilst not wishing to stifle free speech, this site does not suggest or condone the illegal use of pesticides and would suggest members consider this article:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/grow-your-own/home-made-pesticides