Question: Could you please tell me what causes the white powdery mold on my squash plants every year? The plants do really well for a while and then start getting the white mold all over the leaves. I'm talking about Italian squash plants.


The white mold is powdery mildew, Doug. It is very common and affects a variety of plants, but squash cucumbers and pumpkins are especially susceptible to it. It is caused by a fungus that stays in the soil over winter and is carried to the plant leaves by wind water and insects. The infestation can probably be lessened by avoiding overhead watering. There are fungicides available that may prevent the spread. Some say that BT will help and I have even heard some gardeners claim that a 50/50 solution of a milk and water spray will help. As far as I know, there is no scientific proof of this, but it may be worth a try.

Q: Recently you wrote an article about composting that I enjoyed very much. My question is: What is the best way for me to collect the portion of compost I want to use in my pots or beds. When I scoop it up from the big pot that I use to compost, I always get some worms mixed in the batch. I do shift the compost through a plastic sifter that has about 1/3 inch holes, but I still get worms and have to return them to the pot. My neighbor who got me started said the worms stay at the bottom and you skim off the compost from the top. My worms don't stay at the bottom; they are all over, which is what I would expect. I turn the compost often and keep it moist. Do you have any suggestions for getting compost without having to pick out and returning the worms?


I am not sure if you are talking about regular composting or if you are referring to vermin composting (maintaining a worm bin.) If you are keeping a worm bin and want to harvest the castings and return the worms to the bin, you can empty the contents of the bin on to a tap in a sunny location, spread it thin or make it into little piles. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so and the worms will, indeed, crawl to the bottom. You can then scoop up the castings and pick up the tarp and empty the worms back into the box.

If you are referring to regular composting, why not just put the worms into your beds along with the compost? They are very beneficial there and will keep enriching your soil.

If it is your intention to keep the worms in your regular compost bin, my suggestion is to get a screen with smaller diameter holes.
