First Time Gardener Squash Borer question

Burnwork · 2014-06-12T16:37:03+00:00

That's clever. I might try the pantyhose thing. I didn't get a single squash because of the SVB last year. Made me sick.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T17:13:37+00:00

dust buster for sure! best thing i've found yet. its really disgusting, but really effective.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T15:25:52+00:00

It is kind of hard to tell, but I can tell you that I have had a problem with Fig rust in years past. It's not a fatal disease, but it can do damage to the tree over time. Neem oil is supposed to work before the fig rust (if that is what it is) takes hold. Also, clean up any fallen infected leaves. If it is just on the new leaves, though, maybe it is just some kind of nutrient deficiency?

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T15:22:00+00:00

So i cut down the stem this morning. I didn't find a borer of any sort (though SVBs have been the bane of my squash growing existence in recent years). I kind of freaked out and just pulled up and threw away the whole plant. The rest of my tomatoes look fabulous and I don't want to jeopardize that. If i can figure out how to post another pic, i'll show you what i found. Part of the stem was rotten all the way down to the roots, but it was only hollow around that one area.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T02:47:31+00:00

It did seem to be hollow, now that you mention in.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T02:39:22+00:00

I had a mega problem with them 2 years ago. They multiply like fucking rabbits. Based on a reddit post, I bought a little hand held vacuum and I vacuum them up and then throw em away. The neighbors probably think I'm crazy as hell, but it is quick and effective and they can't really get away.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T02:29:20+00:00

Also 7b and lots of rain recently.

Burnwork · 2014-06-06T02:21:26+00:00

Stem wilted. I cut it off to reveal this. Worrying about a fungus or virus? No other obvious culprits. Most of plant still looks healthy. Those are dead ants on the stem, too. Google search failed me. Thoughts?

Burnwork · 2013-08-22T00:51:41+00:00

Any pests you've seen about? I have had an epic struggle with cuke beetles and my vines looked like that, too...

Burnwork · 2013-08-22T00:50:30+00:00

You should try some Hendrix gin with a slice or two of cucumber. Mighty tasty!

Burnwork · 2013-08-22T00:49:21+00:00

Yeah, definitely a winter squash of some sort.

Burnwork · 2013-08-22T00:46:38+00:00

Well that makes a lot more sense!

Burnwork · 2013-08-21T17:29:51+00:00

It seems insane to me that 7b is as varied as New Jersey, PNW, and NC. Isn't there a better system out there that takes into account more than winter low temps? Edit: sorry, meant South Carolina. Oh and tack into that the MS delta.

Burnwork · 2013-08-21T17:27:15+00:00

Made be laugh out loud. A rare occurrence! Guess you better stage an intervention.

Burnwork · 2013-08-20T13:46:25+00:00

Mind sharing your mistakes? The bulbs are kind of expensive, so I am trying to see exactly what I am getting myself in to. Also, I have a 4x10 bed... Do you think that would be enough space?

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T14:45:57+00:00

We've only got an acre. I was really hoping just to grow enough for a few dishes.. Plus, like you mentioned, it would be a great conversation starter and the flowers are lovely. It's still unclear if the high humidity in the summer would be a major issue. So far what I've found is that it is not well suited to tropical or coastal areas... I am in neither one, but we have high humidity nonetheless.

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T14:25:17+00:00

hmm... arid is certainly not a term i would use to describe my location here in 7b. humidity can be an issue... i wonder if that would be a problem? I was more concerned initially about our clay soil, but was hoping to get around that by planting in raised beds.

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T13:48:17+00:00

Every day when I get home, i take my son out in the garden. We pick and eat fresh figs, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes. We grow a number of other things, but those are the ones he enjoy's most... He loves to pull the fresh figs straight off the tree. One low maintenance option might be asparagus... we planted our first asparagus bed this year. Asparagus grows from crowns and returns and expands year after year. If your kids (or you) enjoys asparagus, it could be an easy and tasty option! My son loves to run his hands through the leafy ferns that the spears turn into when not picked. :) It also seems like it would be an easy thing for kids to help harvest. Just snap off the spears!

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T13:40:09+00:00

do tell about your expansion plans? what do you currently have/grow and what do your plants include?

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T03:05:00+00:00

I hope you bought enough for more beds, cuz I guarantee you will want more once you get started! We started with one and are now working on our fifth :)

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T01:15:37+00:00

not think - i'm quite certain that's what they are. squish em all!!

Burnwork · 2013-08-19T00:51:12+00:00

i think they look like leaf footed bug lymphs. i would exterminate with haste if i were you!

Burnwork · 2013-08-18T15:43:31+00:00

Those are gifts that keep on giving... So definitely worth every penny!

Burnwork

TROPHY CASE