What a bore the last week has been! I had been on the look out for these
squash bugs that folks had discussed earlier, but didn't see any. Earlier
this week a few of my plants started looking really droopy so I investigated
and found frass near the base of the plants... Two plants are totally dead
and gone--removed from the garden. Two more aren't looking so good.
Anyway, I did some research online and found this great article about
organic control of squash bugs and vine borers (they're different but
control methods are similar). http://bit.ly/ju4fUH It isn't NC-specific, but
the one article I found from NC extension basically said to put some poison
on it. It's not promising that this will lead to some half-dead plans
surviving, but I may try cutting into the stem of one to kill the borer...a
last resort.
Thought I'd share some things I learned about squash pests that may be
helpful:
1) You probably will have them--either the bugs or the borers so start your
system of control now for next year (see link above). I thought I was
immune--big mistake! Also I learned the bugs can fly up to 1/2 mile so with
all us gardeners around here, they'll be back!
2) They come out sometime in early May to Mid-June, so be on the look out
right about then... And by "look out" I mean not just the bugs on the
leaves, but the borers in the stems too! I found a Minnesota-based website
that said late June, but I'd back that up earlier for us. Anyone have more
info on the timing?
3) The bugs and borers usually have one life cycle, but perhaps two in some
southern climates. So, possibly, you can replant your squash in July and
they'll be safe for the season...or maybe not... Any advice?
4) Plant resistant varieties that were listed in a post earlier this year on
this forum.
At least I got two giant marrows out of the dead plants before they were
taken down by the bores. This was of much interest to my fiance who is an
Agatha Christie fan. Apparently Agatha writes about a Belgian man who
retires to grow marrow and there is much discussion among her fan base about
exactly what a marrow is. We ate one for lunch on Wednesday. Delicious!
Bored on Penn Rd,
Jennifer
We've got a bumper crop of squash and cucumbers. They're sitting on the
swing on our front porch. Feel free to stop by today or this evening and
help yourselves!
Cheers,
Mark Turner
1108 Tonsler (off Bennett near Glascock)
846.9317 h
Damian,
I have heard/read exactly that (fresh wood chips/sawdust taking up N2) for over 30 years of gardening. Suggestions range from composting for a while first to non-planting use to applying an extra boost of fertilizer if using around plants.
Judy
Dennis & Watkins
Message: 5
Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:11:22 -0400
From: Damian Maddalena <damianmaddalena(a)gmail.com>
Subject: [Gardening] thoughts on wood chips
To: Gardening <gardening(a)eastraleigh.org>
Message-ID: <4E28419A.2000006(a)alum.wvu.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
It should be noted the fresh wood chips can decrease the nitrogen
available to plants, as the microorganisms in the soil take up nitrogen
to break down the fresh wood chips. I tend to use fresh wood chips in
paths or other places I don't want things to grow, or age the chips a
year or so before applying them to garden beds. I'm planning on digging
out some of the older material in my paths, putting that on the garden,
the putting these fresh chips in the paths (and in the chicken coop).
I've read some contrary information on line (for example:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F…
) but generally I see more pointing towards concern than to not.
Thoughts?
-Damian
219 Lafayette
"Redbay ambrosia beetles have ravaged avocado orchards in Florida, while granulate ambrosia beetles attack peach, plum and pecan trees, along with dogwoods, Japanese maples and crape myrtles."
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/07/18/1351607/beetles-bore-into-states-tre…
If it is a rose, it will come into bloom sooner or later.
~Goethe
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