From Hannah:
Just wanted to let you know that all the summer squash plants are infested with the squash vine borer. I pulled a dozen or so of the nasty little buggers out yesterday by slicing the main stem vertically and removing them with a knife. It is very important that the damaged stems stay covered with moist soil to encourage re-roooting. I think we might lose 1 or 2 plants unfortunately, but they might stand a chance if they stay properly watered and covered. If you could spread the word for people to pay closer attention it will help out a lot! Fingers crossed.
squash bugs in terrace
There seem to be squash bugs all over that side of the garden. I’ve got them on my pumpkin plant unfortunately. I’ve been squashing them as I see them, and cutting out any of the dead leaves and vines, and any leaves with eggs on them. We’ve also been spraying our plot with neem oil which seems to be helping.
hi sareh, where did you get the neem oil?
i don’t know if it would work or not, but i use a garlic/hot pepper tincture by boiling garlic cloves with hot peppers, straining and then spraying on the leaves and stems of the plants. vinegar might work, too… or possibly some soapy water.
if anyone has any tips on how to combat the squash bugs, please let the others know, either here or up on the bulletin board at the garden or both!
thanks for your input, sareh.
I got the neem oil at a little gardening shop in Newport, but it can be ordered online, and I think many garden centers carry it. I got 100% neem oil which I combine with water and a little dish soap. It seems to be working pretty well, although I don’t think the squash bugs have been completely eliminated.