So Long, Summer Squash - Pickleworms Attack
We got our garden started pretty late in the season, but we figured we would try for some summer squash anyway. And we got a good dozen or so fruits off of it which were all delicious.
Suddenly, the squashes started rotting on the plant and then I noticed little holes had been bored into each one. My squash plants were all infested with pickleworms, which are the larvae of a type of moth that is common in the southeast.
From the North Carolina State University website: The pickleworm is the most destructive insect pest of cucumbers, summer squash and cantaloupes in North Carolina. For many years, it was unprofitable to grow cucumbers in mid or late season because of this pest.
Aside from the recommendation for pesticide use, their page is full of great information for a new gardener. After learning more, I realize I should have kept the squash plants in the garden to protect the cucumbers that are starting to produce fruit. From the NCSU webpage: Although cucumbers are severly damaged some years, squash appears to be the preferred and favorite host. Squash flowers, furit and small plants become heavily infested while adjacent cucumber flowers and fruit may remain clean.
Posted by Diana | Category: Gardening
Sorry about the pickle worms. Funny name. You are learning all your lessons this year, I guess and next year I expect I will read about abundance galore. Seems like you’ve done really well, all things considered.