Squash issues continue
I have been removing squash bugs (I think) and cucumber bugs from my squash plants, but I guess they destroyed some of my squash anyway. The leaves and stems started dying and when I pulled them I found little worms inside the stems. I had a not fully ripe spaghetti squash that I had to remove since it wasn’t going to get fed from the vine anymore. Hoping I can eat it anyway. Any suggestions are appreciated. This was entirely too much work for 2 squash. At least this left the other plants more room so hopefully I can keep them healthy. How do I save the other plants from the same problem. Thanks!
Montgomery County Maryland
1 Response
Hi - We are sorry to see your squash go down. You are dealing with all of the most common problems of growing summer squash in our area: squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and squash vine borers (the latter being the larvae you found inside the squash stem).
Take a look at our article on Squash Family Pest Problem Tips
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2018/04/20/tips-for-growing-cucurbits-a-family-with-some-serious-problems/
On our website, we have strategies for preventing these problems next year.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/squash-vine-borer-vegetables
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/cucumber-beetles-spotted-or-striped-vegetables
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/squash-bug-vegetables
Although it is too late to start new squash plants this season, there is still time to plant other crops for the fall. Here is a link to the planting calendar and tips for fall planting.
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/not_updated/GE007_Vegetable_Planting_Calendar_for_Central_MD.pdf
https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2020/07/03/time-to-think-about-fall-planting/
Christa
