Powdery mildew can turn even beautiful courgettes into tired plants without a harvest within a few days. But experienced gardeners have discovered a simple trick with fragrant spices that helps protect plants in a natural way. All you need is a little clove and the right dressing.
Zucchini are among the most grateful vegetables in Czech gardens. They grow quickly, bear fruit for long weeks and often surprise with the amount of harvest. But it is precisely in the summer that they are often attacked by powdery mildew, which manifests itself as a white coating on the leaves. The plant gradually weakens, the leaves dry up and the fruits decrease. Many people are therefore looking for a gentler alternative to chemical spraying. One of them is an ordinary clove, which we normally use in the kitchen.
Pickled zucchini is a great way to process leftovers from the garden and prepare a tasty supply for later. Watch the following video to learn a simple recipe for homemade pickled zucchini:
Fragrant spices against fungi
Clove contains natural substances with significant antibacterial and antifungal effects. That is why it has long been used not only in the home, but also in the care of plants. Therefore, when several pieces are allowed to infuse in water, an aromatic infusion suitable for watering and fine spraying is created.
Most often, it is enough to pour a handful of hot water, let the mixture cool and then dilute it. This natural solution is mainly applied to the leaves and surrounding plants and regular use can help slow down the spread of powdery mildew before it infects the entire bed.
The advantage is also the intense smell, which some pests do not smell very well. Plants tend to be more resistant and generally stronger. Healthy leaves can better nourish the fruits, thanks to which zucchini grow faster and bear fruit much longer.
Zucchini mainly need air
is most commonly spread in damp and humid environments. That is why it is important not to water the plants and regularly remove old leaves. If the courgettes have enough space around them, the air can flow and the leaves dry faster after the rain.
Correct watering also plays a big role. Water should be directed mainly to the roots, not the leaves. When good care is combined with clove infusion, the plants tend to be significantly more resistant. Many gardeners therefore boast that, thanks to this simple trick, they still harvest courgettes at a time when other beds have long since been attacked by powdery mildew.
When the garden smells like cloves
Sometimes really little is enough to make plants thrive better and longer. Cloves are not only a fragrant spice for mulled wine or sweets, but also a surprising helper in the garden. If you give zucchini the right care and occasional watering with this natural infusion, they can reward you during the summer with a rich harvest and healthy leaves without a white coating.
