How to shield cucumbers from blight with homemade sprays

Gardeners often choose to grow cucumbers, valuing their natural taste and the reassurance that their produce is free from chemicals. Regrettably, cucumbers are prone to fungal diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, which can devastate crops even under favourable conditions.

One effective method to safeguard cucumbers from blight is a homemade spray made from soap flakes and baking soda. It is advisable to apply this spray from late May if cucumbers were planted in the middle of the month. This preparation serves as a preventative measure, protecting plants from infections.

The soap should be grated using a coarse grater. Then, dissolve two tablespoons of soap flakes in 1 quart (approximately 1 litre) of lukewarm water. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until the ingredients are well combined. Once cooled, pour the solution into a spray bottle.

The spray should be applied every 7-14 days on cloudy, windless, and rain-free days. If signs of the disease appear, increase the frequency of spraying to twice a week. This straightforward technique can save cucumbers and guarantee abundant yields.

Another effective approach is a yeast spray. Yeast is rich in B vitamins, iron, and amino acids, which strengthen plants and help protect them from infections. To prepare the spray, dissolve 3.5 ounces (approximately 100 grams) of fresh yeast in 2 gallons (approximately 10 litres) of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and spray it onto the plants once a week.

An alternative effective agent is hydrogen peroxide. Simply mix 3.4 fluid ounces (approximately 100 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with 14 fluid ounces (approximately 400 ml) of tap water. Put the solution into a sprayer and apply it to the cucumber vines, preferably in the evening when the sun is no longer intense.