Squashing the Bugs

July brings abundant sunshine along with a sometimes equally abundant supply of  squash bugs.  These nefarious pests can devour your zucchini and pumpkins virtually overnight so it’s important to be vigilant. 

This year we are undertaking a daily inspection of all squash plant leaves and stems.  You start by looking for eggs on the underside of the leaves.  My strategy is to use a kitchen torch to burn any eggs and mature bugs that I come across.  It’s harsh but effective.  The second prong of our attack is to wrap the plant stems with aluminum foil and then apply diatomaceous earth around them.

So far, we have found only one worm and removed it.  As a precaution, we’re mounding up more diatomaceous earth and soil around that area.  So far so good.  Fortunately, squash bugs have a relatively short life cycle so if you can contain the infestation, the bugs typically die out in a few weeks.  That’s why we also direct sow more zucchini plants around this time of year for a second crop that will flower and fruit after the bugs are gone.   

Meanwhile, the rest of the garden is flourishing.  So far, thanks to our dedicated volunteers who keep the weeds and pests to a minimum, the garden looks better than it has been since I started volunteering at ECI 6 years ago. We’re running well ahead of last year with our harvest of cucumbers and greens. Our tomatoes, peppers, onions, herbs, beets, and beans are all coming along nicely.   Commitment and diligence are the keys to a successful growing season.

Best of luck in your own garden this year!

Maribeth Fuchs

Manager ECI Heritage Garden