Milk provides cucumbers of calcium, proteins and sugars, which strengthen plants and support soil microorganisms. A diluted solution, applied on the list or to the roots, acts like a dial against mildew – Zmorze of many crops. Studies of Wagner Bettiola from 1999, published in “Crop Protection”, have shown that milk in dilution 1:10 is more effective in fights powdery mildew on zucchini than some chemical fungicides. What’s more, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially in fermented milk, improve soil structure and plant resistance.
Calcium strengthens the cell walls of the cucumbers, preventing the cracking of fruit and yellowing of the leaves. Proteins and sugars of milk, broken down by soil bacteria, give the soil fertility. In contrast, lactoferrin, protein with antimicrobial properties reduces the risk of fungal infections. However, moderate should be maintained. Full -fat milk can leave an unpleasant smell or attract flies. Therefore, a better choice will be low-fat (1-2%) or degreased variants, which are equally effective and less troublesome.
Choose milk – fresh, expired (excellent recycling!) Or in powder, dissolved in water. Dilute them in a 1: 5 to 1:10 ratio (one part of milk for 5-10 parts of water)to avoid too much concentration that could harm plants. Mix thoroughly until the solution becomes uniform. You can also leave the mixture in a tight container in a dark place for 3-5 days. Fermentation will enrich the solution with lactic acid bacteria.
To make the milk fully develop its potential, apply fertilizer with caution. Spray plants in the morning or late afternoon, when the rays of the sun do not threaten to burn the leaves every 10 days. If you want to use the solution as a root fertilizer, two treatments in the season are enough – at the beginning of growth and in flowering, i.e. every 4-6 weeks. However, if the powdery mildew takes its toll, spraying every 7 days can bring better results.
You can use the solution in two ways: spraying leaves to fight mushrooms, or watering the soil at the roots to provide calcium cucumbers and accelerate their growth. However, watch out for too concentrated mixtures – they can attract pests.
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Badania E. H. Parka z 2022 roku (“Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems“) have shown that LAB produces bacteriocins – Natural antibiotics that protect plants against pathogens. They also improve the soil structure, increasing its ability to store water. This is especially important during periods of drought when plants need additional support.
However, Hy Kim’s experiments from 2019, published in the Journal of Plant Biotechnology“have shown that whey delays the growth of cucumber cells. A articles from “MDPI“ (2023) indicate that milk proteins and organic acids effectively control phytopatogens without burdening the soil with chemicals.
Milk is just the beginning! Yogurt, buttermilk or whey with homemade cheese production can also power your garden. Diluted in a 1:10 ratio, not only cucumbers, but also tomatoes and pumpkins, which are struggling with powdery mildew, will help.
