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merri
Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Location: fort worth,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:37 pm Post subject: Horrid Squash TRIPLE THREAT |
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I have the dreaded triple threat of borers, squash bugs and little black and yellow beetles that seem to suck on the fruit themselves. I am starting a new topic to gleen any expertese on this issues!
Nothing else in the garden (knock on wood!) seems to be suffering pest issues beyond the usual grasshoppers, caterpillars, etc...
sheesh - squash was always the EASY plant. and now i am losing it all, it seems...advice???? I will battle them this year, but would love to know if there is any preventative measures I might make as I look ahead to next year, too
thanks, merri |
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Tricky Grama
Joined: 06 Mar 2004
Posts: 730
Location: Plano & land at Dodd City,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 6:59 am Post subject: |
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merri-
Have you looked up lady bugs & seen their larva? They are black & yellow...
I've always had good luck spraying the garlic pepper tea on the offenders.
Patty |
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RHE
Joined: 14 Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Location: Houston,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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In regards to squash borers, I got this information out of one of my Ruth Stout books.
When you plant your seed, mix a tablespoon of cigarette ashes in the hill. In about 2 weeks, sprinkle another tablespoon around the hill. It works like a charm and I have no idea why.
If you have not had enough squash after 2 months, you should sprinke another tablespoon. |
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merri
Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Location: fort worth,TEXAS
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| Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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Brilliant!
It must be the nicotine in the ashs thatk kills the larvea in the soil (or at least repels them.
I will DEFINATELY try this.
I had to pull them all out this week (total failure :evil: ) and will try from seed again.
I think there is still time for a decent crop before Nov first?
thanks, me |
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sandih
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 1012
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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| that would probably depend on the amount of rain we have the rest of the summer, which would impact your fall production I would assume. |
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merri
Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Location: fort worth,TEXAS
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| Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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are they terribly sensitive to too much water?
i am a beginner :oops:
thanks, m |
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sandih
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 1012
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:54 am Post subject: |
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| Well, if the rainfall this year was normal I would say "probably not" but we've had such an enormous amount that a lot of plants are suffering. I usually get tomatoes all the way thru the first freeze but with the fungal diseases, caused by all the rain, I don't know how long they will last. |
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sandih
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 1012
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:55 am Post subject: |
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| Excellent drainage in your garden really helps though. |
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Dirt Doctor
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Posts: 542
Location: Dallas,Tx
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| Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject: |
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| Cigarette smoke doesn't belong in your body and cigarette ashes don't belong in healthy soil. |
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