It's been raining a lot here recently. I went out to check on my plants and found that all of my cucumbers are turning from a lovely dark green to a pale white. The leaves are not wilting or anything, and other than the color change they seem healthy. Also, these are new sprouts, still got the baby leaves, no real ones yet. The variety is called Sumter. I'm growing a different variety, in a different spot and it isn't turning weird colors, yet. I haven't seen any of those pesky beetles yet either. Can anyone tell me what the heck is going on?? Thanks!
Sarah

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Sarah - Zone 5b/6

Is there a possibility that you had a touch of frost? Cucs will handle a bit of frost, but the top leaves will turn a different color. And they will continue to grow.

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For this "New Year" help me to be kinder and more loving to all around me, I pray.

Okay, here are some pics of my cucumbers. Just took 'em this morning! Pic also shows how sandy my soil is! Thanks!




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Sarah - Zone 5b/6

Is there any way to naturally prevent/rid myself of PM? If not is there a recommended fungicide? Will it spread to new leaves or other plants? And we definately haven't had a frost since these little guys came up. Thank you!!

Sarah

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Sarah - Zone 5b/6

Powdery mildew can be overcome by only watering the soil, not the actual leaves of the plant and by doing so in the mornings so the plant isn't wet at night. Good air circulation also helps. The disease thrives in dryer soils in a warm and humid environment. You can spray with fungicides but for cucurbits it's best to avoid sulphur based sprays in warm periods as they can burn the plants.
I can see particles of soil on the leaves of the plants, so the way you're watering them may be the problem. Try soaking the soil from ground level and mulching. Once you get a few sets of leaves, remove affected leaves and the problem will largely take care of itself. It often re-occurs late in the season as the plant reaches the end of its cycle.

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The secret is the soil.