Well, we had definite issues last year with vine borers and squash bugs. Our squash, cantaloupe and cucumber plants were done before their time. This year, on the advice of an extension agent, we are going to try trap cropping. The recommendation we received was to apply a systemic insecticide to Blue Hubbard squash plants. Blue Hubbard is well know to be preferred by cucurbit pests and will draw them away from the cash crop. The Blue Hubbard needs to be started two weeks or so before the main crop and treated with the systemic. Systemics render the entire plant poisonous, so care should be taken to not get this type of insecticide on plants which you intend to eat. In addition, the blossoms must be removed from treated plants prior to blooming in order to protect pollinators. We are going to start Blue Hubbard in trays and inject the insecticide prior to planting near vulnerable crops. We also intend to pull them up at the end of the season and incinerate as an additional precaution. And, well, because I don't wanna take any chances... http://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2017/3/Trap_cropping/
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We have lots of tomatoes available.
Hmm... Need to do some more weeding. The cucumbers are coming along nicely, and we should have some in a week or two. No sign of Squash Bugs yet so hoping to get away with no pesticides.
Just planted some Mesclun Salad Mix, Swiss Chard (Bright Lights and Fordhook Giant), Kale and Snow and Sugar Snap Peas. Nom...nom...nom... |
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