Source
r/composting•
bcanders2000

Composting leaves with powdery mildew

Outdoor

I've got zucchini plants nearing the end of the season. A few leaves have signs of powdery mildew. Is it safe to put these leaves in my backyard compost? I've heard powdery mildew is ubiquitous in the soil, so it should make no difference if it's in my compost. But I don't want to contaminate my garden if I'm wrong. I'd love to hear the community's perspective.

Posted Sep 18, 2022, 7:04 PM UTC

45
Ok_Acanthisitta_5069•

I've been composting plants with powdery mildew for years and haven't had any issues.

7
bcanders2000OP•

Great to hear. Thanks for sharing.

2
BottleCoffee•

Yes, powdery mildew is in the environment and impossible to avoid.

3
bcanders2000OP•

Thanks! Into the compost of goes!

1
VariableHelix•

I throw it out just to be safe. In addition to powdery mildew these plants tend to have squash fine borer larvae, cucumber beetle and squash bugs eggs. I got all the pests this year.

But yes, the fungus is everywhere.

2