aphids and powdery mildew

[lisa]

I have a good sized vegetable garden,and it is doing very well,production wise,but I have started having problems with aphids.We are already dealing with wilt from the cucumber beetles,now the leaves are beginning to get covered with this sticky stuff,and there are flies all over them.I am also starting to get a powder mildew on my cantaloupe.My mother suggested that I spray my garden with soapy water.Will this hurt or help anything?

[Newt]

Hi Lisa,

Sounds like the 'sticky stuff' is the honeydew (waste) from the aphids.* Sooty mold will often grow on it turning it black.* You can use insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the aphids are gone.* Be sure to spray the undersides and stems of the leaves.* You can even make your own.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/hom...idal-soap.html

Powdery mildew can be treated with a milk spray.
http://www.backyardgardener.com/tv/mildew.html

You might also find these home made natural remedies helpful.

Insect pests:
http://www.ghorganics.com/page9.html

Diseases:
http://www.ghorganics.com/page15.html

Newt

[lisa]

Thank you,I had found something about that soap,but the link you showed me was more detailed,so again thank you for the info.

[Newt]

Lisa, you are very welcome!* Enjoy your veggies.

Newt