One of the most unpleasant plant diseases is powdery mildew - it's pretty hard to get rid of it, and it spreads quickly.
The main thing you should do is to recognize it quickly to do something with it, so you need to know the signs.
Here are the most obvious signs of powdery mildew you should keep your eyes on.
White Powder
Powdery mildew looks like a white powder or dust on the leaves, stems, and even flowers of your plants.
It's a bit like someone sprinkled baby powder on them.
Leaves Turning Yellow
The leaves of your plants might start turning yellow or brown in spots where the mildew is growing. It's as if they're getting sick.
Curled or Distorted Leaves
Sometimes, the leaves may become twisted or deformed because of the mildew. They won't look healthy and flat anymore.
Stunted Growth
Your plants might not grow as well as they should if they have powdery mildew. They could end up smaller than expected.
Reduced Flowering or Fruiting
If you have flowering or fruiting plants, you may notice that they produce fewer flowers or fruits than usual.
Spots Spreading
The white powder will spread if you don't take care of it. It can affect more and more of your plant if not treated.
Musty Smell
In severe cases, some people say powdery mildew has a musty or mildew smell. You might notice this if the problem gets really bad.
Conclusion
If you notice these signs in your garden, then it's time to act quickly - or it can spread ahead!
