Has anyone else had this problem? We really enjoy Spagetti squash as well as other varieties. When I plant them, they come up like gangbusters, then they die off. I think there is some kind of critter that gets into the stalk and kills them. Can someone help me with the ID and a solution? Thanks!

Vine/ squash bugs or stink bettles/bugs will do that! They spread a parasite that can kill a squash, or pumpkin pretty fast! Look into using Sevin, and use it religously according to the bottle directions. I have tons of those nasty buggers around me in summer- hopefully they wont be bad problem!

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Originally posted by Randy1:
I think there is some kind of critter that gets into the stalk and kills them.

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SVB's! Squash vine borers. Man, they are the worst! Very difficult to control. Did a number on my squash plants last year. I don't use chemicals in my garden, so can't help you there. They're hard to find. Keep watch for them and if you see one make sure you dispatch it or it will go on to lay eggs and create more problems.

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John - Zone 6

Squash vine borers are a pain in my vines' too!

There is a tell tale sign you have them, once
they are of grub stage... you see saw dust like substance at the base of the stalk by the ground..
They work/eat their way up the stalk... and even though it doesn't kill the plant it doesn't do the plant good, it wanes' badly...

You can take a sharp razor blade or knife, put one thin slice up the stalk and have fun slicin' and dicin' that bad thing up when you finally find it... I'm not a mean or cruel person, but I'd like to wring those s#cker's necks!!!!

When usuing that blade on the plant, it will not harm it.. it'll heal it's self over in a manor,
and will continue to finish producing...
Just not alot of produce...

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

Julianna,

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Go hunting at night with a flashlight and you'll be privy to a world of bugs you never dreamed existed in your garden. Yank them off and send them to bug heaven.

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I do that...
My husband and kids will be standing at the back door, I can hear the kids giggling.. and the hubby will be going "Where's your mother?"
and they reply "Out there, giggle, with the flashlight, giggle daddddddddddddd!!"
"Seeeeeee, there, it just moved again, giggle, giggle, giggle...that's her..."
and I can just hear my husbands' eyes do this

Those green cucumber beetles ate my stuff alive..

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

butter and garlic & a bit of olive oil

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