The best time to water is in the morning but, if you water in the afternoon, allow enough time for foliage to dry out before sunset.

Why:

This reduces the risk of mildew and other fungi attacking leaves. Mildew is notorious for attacking zucchini, beans, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and zinnia.

What to look for:

Infected leaves become covered with a white to gray powdery growth, usually on the upper surface. If left unattended to the plant's leaves will turn brown and drop.

How to combat mildew:

• Spray plants weekly with a solution made from 1 part cow’s milk to 10 parts water.
• Use garlic extracts, which can be made by blending two bulbs of fresh garlic in a quart of water with a few drops of liquid soap. Strained the liquid with a cheesecloth to remove solids and then refrigerated. When you are ready to use it dilute the liquid to 1:10 with water before spraying.
• Mix 1 part of finished compost with 6 parts of water. Let it soak for a week, then strain and dilute with water until it’s the color of tea.
  
• Neem, Mint or Rosemary oils are great at fungicides. Add 2.5 Tablespoons of oil per gallon of water every 7 to 14 days is recommended.