Question
Me and my boyfriend share a organic vegetable garden.  We have been having some trouble with powdery mildew on our zucchini squash plants.  In the friday paper in the garden section their was a artical on powdery mildew and how to control it, it suggested to mix baking soda with water.  My boyfriend did just that and applied it.  We still had not seen any results for a while and so with out my knowledge he decided to sprinkle baking soda on the actual plants.  Now the squash leaves are all burned and I'm wondering if they will be okay, and if there is anything I might be able to do to them? They just look so awful.  Thank you for your time. Sincerly, Gina

Answer
Go to http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
for proper instructions of using baking soda as a fungicide. It appears to be effective if used right:

"The only plant damage associated with bicarbonates applied in the trials was foliar burning when application rates exceeded recommended concentrations. Testing established that sodium bicarbonate does not increase the levels of sodium in plant tissues, soil, or runoff water. While their precise mode of action against fungi is not understood, Horst states that bicarbonates seem to damage the cell wall membrane in PM spores. He also believes pH to be a factor in bicarbonate effectiveness. In any case, bicarbonates are contact fungicides, and kill PM within minutes."

The P. Allen Smith Gardens website advises mixing 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dormant oil, and ?teaspoon of insecticidal or dish soap in one gallon of water as a PM spray. Stating that plants should be well hydrated prior to spraying, this source recommends irrigating a couple days in advance.

As to whether or not your plants will survive, only time will tell!  I would feed them some nitrogen, fish fertilizer, and try to encourage new growth, and relieve their stress.  Good luck!