Q. It’s nearing the end of sugar snap pea season here in Sacramento. A bunch of my plants, while still producing a few peas, are covered with what appears to be a mildew or mold that turns the leaves and stems white (powdery). Some of the pea pods themselves are mottled on the sun side with black spots (mold?). I’m wondering if it’s still safe to eat them. Seems strange to have fungus when the air has been real dry. Thanks in advance.
-Sacramento, California
A. The problem you are having on the peas is called powdery mildew. I don’t think I would eat them. Time to pull them out and plant some beans. The reason you have powdery mildew on the peas could be from watering the plants in the evening. If the leaves are wet at night, powdery mildew will grow even if the days are dry. Always water early in the morning. This will allow the leaves on all of your plants to dry off before night time.
Tim Lamprey, Harbor Garden Center
Salisbury, Massachusetts
A. Powdery mildew will grow any time temperatures are between 60-80F and the light conditions are less than stellar. It does not need a lot of free moisture. As to the safety of the fruits, I do not know. Next year, look for mildew resistant varieties, or run a spray program that prevents fungus.
-Denny Blew, CenterPeace Plants
Bridgeton, New Jersey
