Question
Hi Mike,
I am starting to grow my own vegetables in my small garden, it receives afternoon sun, but at times wind funnels through.
Now, my problems are :-
1) The leaves on my squash plants are starting to get like a "white" covering on top, why and what must I do?
2) There are plenty of yellow flowers, and those that have died, small bulbs are beginning to form. I have been told that if I don't take care, the fruit will be stung by insects. How can I prevent without chemicals?
3)I have a huge snail problem. How can I stop its growth? I have 2 cats who enjoy being outdoors, whatever I use must not be anything eatible by cats.
Thanks, looking forward to your soonest reply.

Answer
Lin, the white film you see on the leaves is the start of a fungus condition called powdery mildew.  This disease is very common in early spring due to the cool wet conditions.

Powdery mildew can be controlled by using a garden fungicide.  I use a product called Soap Shield, sold by a company named Gardens Alive.  Soap Shield is a copper based fungicide that controls a variety of diseases, including powdery mildew.  It should be applied once every 10 days.  You can also purchase other copper-based fungicides sold at your local garden center.  Attached is a link to Gardens Alive if you're interested.

http://www.gardens-alive.com/item_display.asp?ProductNumber=8066

The best deterrent to insects is covering your young plants with reemay.  Reemay is a product made from a fleece-like material, very similar to curtain sheers.  It is very light weight, and lets in water and sunshine while keeping insects away from the plant.  The only downside is that you must allow the bees to pollinate the plant.  So remove the covering once you see flowers.  If the insects begin damaging the plant, apply an application of pyrethrum or rotentone.  Both products are 100% organic, and non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment.  These products can also be purchased at your local garden center or through Gardens Alive.

Slugs and snails are especially prevalent in the spring.  I, too, have had many heartaches over the damage slugs have done to my plants over the years.  I have tried everything including beer traps, diatomaceous earth, homemade traps, and copper strips.  I must admit that I've had moderate success with the beer, but it would evaporate each day and got too expensive to maintain.

I am happy to say that I've finally discovered an effective control.  It is a product called Escar-Go.  Although it is a pesticide, it is organic, and is therefore non-toxic to humans and pets.  I have three cats, and have never had a problem with them eating it or getting sick.

Another advantage is that it stays active and solid even after a heavy rain.  Just sprinkle small amounts around each plant, and reapply every 10 days.  Once again, this product can be purchased on-line or at your local garden center.

If the area is large, you can also try spraying the soil with an ammonia solution.  Mix one tbs. lemon ammonia and one tbs. of non-concentrated dishwashing liquid per gallon of water. You'll need to apply this solution twice per week, and preferable in the early morning hours when slugs are most active.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike