I live in Boston and we've been having some ridiculous weather this summer. It rains just about every day, and when it does rain, it's usually a sky-draining downpour that just pummels everything for about twenty minutes and then turns straight back to hot sun.
Some of my plants (cukes, zucchini, patty pan squash) have developed what I think is powdery mildew. Fruits are still being produced, but the plants are not looking so hot.
So, two questions:
1. What kind of steps can someone take to help plants deal with these daily downpours followed by sweltering heat?
2. Is there any danger in eating fruits from a plant infested with powdery mildew?
Thanks in advance!