Gardeners across California are spotting something strange—zucchini leaves covered in white patches, stretching from San Diego all the way up to Sacramento. I noticed it in my own yard just yesterday, and soon realized my neighbors were seeing it too.
Between our unpredictable weather lately and the usual summer stressors, conditions have tipped in favor of a few common culprits. Powdery mildew is one likely suspect, but heat stress and sunscald can play a role too.
It’s a good reminder that even familiar plants need extra care when climate swings hit. Keeping airflow strong, watering at the base, and removing affected leaves can help bring your zucchinis back to full health.
1. Powdery Mildew Outbreak
The coastal fog rolling in earlier than usual this week has created perfect conditions for powdery mildew to spread rapidly. This fungal disease looks like someone dusted your plants with flour…