Yellow Squash

I have summer squash, have lost one plant, and now another one has the same problem. The leaves turn silver and the plant dies.

ANSWER:

It may be powdery mildew. Squash foliage is susceptible to this disease.

Try to keep the plant foliage dry overnight whenever possible. This can help prevent powdery mildew from getting started on your plants. But powdery mildew can also occur in climates with high humidity.

Some gardeners use a spray made of milk and baking soda to treat or prevent powdery mildew on plant foliage.

I've noticed that all my plants with "hairy" leave are much more prone to developing these symptoms. I think the "hairs" on the leaves trap moisture, and give the mildew a chance to grow.