squash vine borer doesn't stand a chance against this | growing squash in the south

[@Sypherz]

I started having issues with squash borer and did not want to spray stuff either. I read that that they did not like the long white radishes, so I threw a bunch of radish seeds in the bed that I was going to plant my pumpkins. by the time my pumpkins were growing, the radishes had grown up pretty good. I did not get borers, and the particular variety I grew (white icicle) loves to reseed itself.

[@SENSEF]

WOW! Thanks for the tip!

[@Kiara6896]

Thanks for the info. I had a pack of icicle radish I didn’t know whether to plant or not and this was a deal sealer

[@cindy-ki8ex]

Also the seed pods from the radishes are delicious.

[@laurazarboni9647]

My grandfather use to cut open the vine, take the worm out, and used medical tape and the plants lived

[@kimberlyearly8918]

I did that on one of my plants and was able to save the plant.

[@ML-lw4zf]

Works for me too. Medical tape probably works better than duck tape

[@kimberlyearly8918]

@@ML-lw4zf I thought the tape was working for me but in the past week I have lost several pumpkin plants and a couple of squash. I’ve found the worms all in the plant. One spot had 3 all together! They are definitely not just at the base of the plant!

[@ML-lw4zf]

@@kimberlyearly8918 sorry - after getting the word out I splice the vine together with tape and this usually Keira the whole vine/plant alive and growing. They make remarkable comebacks🥰💪🏼❤️

[@kimberlyearly8918]

@@ML-lw4zf I did that with the first few I found at the base of the plant and it worked. But when I noticed them not doing well and started inspecting they were all over the plant. Three in one spot! They were in the stems everywhere! I couldn’t believe it! So much for them supposedly laying the eggs near the bottom of the plant.

[@PlaneJaneCars]

I just started gardening last year. My thought was to be “all natural”, and if some pest took some of my yield, it’s just “nature.” I didn’t know how maddening pest are, and we have ALL of them in Texas! 😡

[@meggrowsplants]

There are some pests you can use nature to combat, but it does get challenging at times. Especially with SVB! But I find that choosing the right varieties really do help!

[@RealBradMiller]

I let aphids and things that come and go seasonally... But then you have invasives and things like vegetarian ladybugs, Japanese beetles, or flea beetles, which will just eat and eat and eat and eat until your plants are all gone, and nothing keeps them in check... Except us... 😭

[@Dodgeowner]

I have been gardening on and off since my dad had me out there as a toddler. I'm 65. Non gardeners always ask me if I garden organic...I say, not if I want to eat. Thing is, I am MOSTLY organic. But I learned to pick my battles. And I am the one who knows what I have used. Got to any restaurant or grocery store....probably there are more pesticides used in that food than any of my vegetables.

[@MrsGator7]

The vibe borer kills the entire plant

[@Wildwwill]

​@@DodgeownerIn addition, restaurant and grocery store veggies also most likely have been treated with chemicals to keep them looking fresh or extend shelf life.

[@commonsense6839]

Fought the same battle using the methods you described and more without success. Grew squash and zucchini vertically this year removing the bottom leaves up to the first flower as they grew. Haven't had one issue with squash vine borer this year. My understanding is they don’t like to lay eggs in unprotected areas created by removing the bottom leaves. Plus the plants are much easier to manage and harvest vertically.

[@adigmon]

Luffas also grow well in SVB land! I had one plant last year that took over my garden. At least 100 luffas. Picked small, they taste like asparagus but you can let them mature for sponges. They really took off when temps got into the 90-100 range and drought conditions. No pest could phase it! Give it A LOT of room.

[@Arcticdi]

Hi Meg, I share your 'passion' for the SVB! I have hit the wall with them. I had a HUGE problem when I went vertical with squash - it increased all the surface area for the SVB. I was injecting BT and making surgical cuts like a madwoman! This year I have delayed planting squash - hoping a few months would help. Now that you mention SVB hesitant seeds I'm literally smacking my forehead! THANKS for sharing your frustration and resolve to find a way to grow your pumpkins (super cute) and squash.

[@meggrowsplants]

You should totally try the Seminole pumpkin then! I grew it vertically and they never touched it. I almost wonder if there is something different about it chemically or something, because they never even laid eggs on it! A miracle pumpkin Forreal haha

[@gwaihir22]

Are there any SVB resistant pumpkin varieties that are able to be carved for jack o lanterns, that you recommend?

[@CanadianChick1000]

Every region sure has its unique characteristics. No squash vine borer here, but we have a much shorter growing season - so you can envy my zucchini, while I envy your longer season! 😀

[@meggrowsplants]

This is true. I do love my longer growing season, but it comes with a hefty price! lol

[@keithashworth5340]

It’s hard to grow squash in a long season if they kill every plant. They are terrible

[@Wildwwill]

I didn't have them in my Michigan garden until 2 years ago. 3 weeks ago I killed a SVB moth diving in and out of my butternut. The butternut look fine but my zucchini has leaves wilting on otherwise very healthy plants, I suspect SVB.

[@JudyKing-fv4zf]

This is my 4th yr here trying to win the borer battle. I tried the bt, even some sprays but the borer would win. I heard they don’t like aromatic herbs so this yr I added basil & rosemary near them. Also, I had some cedar shavings for pet cages and I mulched with that. So far, the squash are still healthy. I will report back.

[@ruthannecoro6198]

Any updates on the cedar shavings?

[@JudyKing-fv4zf]

@@ruthannecoro6198 It did help keep the Squash vine borer away. I had to add more cedar shavings after rain bc I would see the adult bugs. Guess rain depletes the aroma of cedar. BUT … my squash survived long enough that squash bugs invaded. I moved from central NC where I never had problems growing squash. Now in the coastal area, every bug wants my squash. I have harvested some tasty squash. I will continue using cedar shavings around the squash plants.

[@lisanowakow3688]

I’m in the SW and we have them too. I think they are all over the USA. Cherokee tan pumpkins are resistant too to all the bugs. Same growth pattern.

[@meggrowsplants]

I’ll look up the Cherokee tan! I have lots of gardening friends out west that don’t have squash vine borer. Mainly in California. So it’s not found everywhere, when I google it says only east and southeast. Interesting! Maybe it’s spreading 😳

[@meggrowsplants]

Okay I did some more research and it’s basically everywhere except along the pacific coast! And they’re only native to north and South America, so the rest of the world doesn’t have to deal with its evilness lol

[@lisanowakow3688]

@@meggrowsplants God forbid! Nasty bugs!

[@Maria-ql3fc]

I've grown both the Cherokee tan and Seminole winter squash and for taste I prefer the Seminole but they are both good keepers, I've kept some for a year that was still very good when I cut them open.

[@YaRDavid]

Finally someone who really knows gardening... PLUS you are lovely. I just subscribed. Thank you Meg

[@ClaireRousseau]

I'm in the UK, and I love growing all types of squash, just like you. Ever since I first heard of the squash vine borer, I've felt deeply lucky to have dodged that particular garden nightmare. It sounds so infuriating!!

[@meggrowsplants]

Thank you for taking the time to feel gratitude for it hahahha. But I’m sure you have your struggles with growing in the UK as well! Thank you for watching even though you don’t deal with SVB. Always nice to meet another squash lover ❤️

[@RealBradMiller]

Knock on wood!!!

[@ClaireRousseau]

@@meggrowsplants the advice to look for bug resistant variety is solid for any critter, so I definitely felt like I got something out of it even though I don't have SVB.

[@ninavandenabbeele9667]

Yeah I don't know how it is for you in the uk but we have so many snails this year 😅

[@jelatinosa]

The seminole variety is one of the pumpkins we can grow on my island of Puerto Rico. That and other ones that were developed here, such as one that I believe is called Taino and other similar pumpkins. We are extremely hot and humid most of the year, and there are no winters to kill off pests and control their populations. My particular zone is 12 so growing certain things is quite tough. In the central part of the island I believe it's a zone 10 and is a lot more ideal for growing lots of different things, one of we are most known for, which is coffee.

[@meggrowsplants]

That’s amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit PR (: I can imagine the heat and humidity can be really challenging to grow. I’ll look into the Taino variety!

[@jelatinosa]

@@meggrowsplants If you visit, visit in the winter, as it's the time with the most comfortable, mild weather. Avoid peak hurricane season(July, August, September), unless you enjoy heat waves with 90% humidity and possibility of storms. But it is a beautiful island to visit.

[@melkilgore]

This video was very helpful. I ordered as many of those seeds as I could. I’ve not had a SVB problem before but this year they got my best plant with the most gigantic spaghetti squash I’ve ever grown 😢

[@growwell8872]

Loved this video-I have found the same with trombochino-& my fav part is that entire “neck” has no seeds, it’s all squash!! I have also had really good luck waiting, waiting, & waiting a little more time before planting squash! I find that if I can wait until the SVB & SB have gone thru their reproduction cycle it greatly reduces any issues with them! I was even able to grow zucchini & yellow squash last year by waiting-you won’t have a harvest until August/September but you will get them! Great video-can’t wait to see how your trials turn out! 👩🏼‍🌾

[@Msaltares91]

Yes love tromboncino it's the only squash I grow because of the borders but I'm curious when do you plant the other squash to avoid the borers?

[@growwell8872]

@@Msaltares91It depends on the variety & where you grow-I use the days to harvest info from the seed packet, count back from my first frost, add a few weeks because things grow slower as the days get shorter-& just make sure I plant before that date. Usually it’s in July/August for me! Some things in June. Good luck & have fun trying it! If you have the luxury of space you could succession sow through the whole season and see what works best-for some it’s actually early, before the bugs are out! 👩🏼‍🌾

[@Msaltares91]

@@growwell8872 thanks I will try that

[@katcruz876]

I was already thinking of Seminole squash you just sold me!!! ❤ From Seminole county Florida!!!

[@meggrowsplants]

Definitely try it!! The best squash I’ve ever grown

[@FloridaGirl-]

True! I have grown them! I also did an experiment. Because they “claim” they have over 1 yr shelf life. So. I kept at least 5 for one year. They were excellent. But you need room to grow them. They trailed AT LEAST 25’ each vine. This yr is my last yr of trying to grow regular squash here in zone 9b SW FL. I’ve experimented with every season and different types. Forget it. To hot, too humid, i even installed a hoop house with bug netting. Vines did great. Huge on Tahitian squash. So healthy in the hoop. When the female flower finally started appearing. The blooms did not mature enough to even open. They stayed stunted and tiny and shut tight. I’ve gardened for 40 yrs and never seen anything like that. So from now on it’s Seminoles for me. It’s what the Seminole Indians grew here. That’s good enough for me!

[@FloridaGirl-]

8:41 Cucurbita maxima 8:50 Cucurbita Pepo 9:11 Cucurbita Mochata (resistant to the squash vine bore) 10:16 Seminole Pumpkin 13:03 Trombetta di Albenga (tastes like butternut squash) 16:20 New squash varieties trying. Seesds from Southern seed (exposure) Tai Kang Kob 16:30 Mrs. Amersons 16:45 Tahitiin melon 17:01 Tan cheese 17:18 South Anna Butternut 17:35 Autumn Frost winter squash f1

[@abigailwurtz9106]

I'm crying inside right now. Thank you so much for this information!

[@nolanholmberg311]

Hey Meg! I Just came over from your cameo on the Epic Gardening channel! I live in NC just like you and I wanted to share my strategy for extending our herb season! So obviously as you know we've had some wickedly mild winters these last few years. (I thinking the coldest it got here in Raleigh this winter was 18 degrees) and so what ive been doing is sowing my Cilantro, Parsley, Dill in October when it just starts to cool off a bit. That gives them a solid 2 months to get some roots and foliage on them before our first freeze usually in late November early December. These herbs are surprisingly cold hardy! All these herbs I listed can theoretically resist the cold all the way down to 10 degrees which we rarely go below in the winter if ever so I've successfully maintained no frost damage on any of my cool season herbs for 2 years straight now! I was picking herbs all winter long plus the added benefit is having pre established herbs gives them a MASSIVE boost in growth when the soil temps warm up in February and march. They exploded with foliage growth and by april I was giving away fresh herbs to all my neighbors I had so much extra. Yeah we can't prevent the bolting once our heat and humidity come back around this time but boy do I tell ya the extra 3+ months of herbs I get over the winter is so worth it! I am a new viewers so if you already do that forgive me I was just going off the info I heard you say in that video on epic gardening lol. And I thought you'd appreciate this info if you don't know it already since we live in the same state/zone. Okie that all have a good one!

[@meggrowsplants]

Hey there! Thanks for popping in! You’re definitely right about all of that! And, I do the same thing. I had cilantro and parsley growing all winter and I have dill popping up now that self seeded from last fall. We are so very lucky to have the mild weather that can allow for that to happen! The epic video was more tailored for summer annuals, and the focus was on succession sowing for summer harvests. I totally appreciate the info though and hopefully anyone that is reading and also lives in our area will as well (:

[@nolanholmberg311]

@@meggrowsplants Nice! I always love finding new NC garder youtuber's to subscribe to it's so fun watching what everyone else around be likes to grow in our area. BTW have you heard of Jim Putnam? His youtube channel is called Horttube and he's the OG North Carolina garden youtuber that got me into the game lol

[@Tf03]

I looooooved hearing about all the squash!

[@meggrowsplants]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😍

[@ulla.umlaut]

I plant zucchini and yellow squash early as bait. The borers seem to prefer them to spaghetti squash and especially to tromboncino. I grow the summer squashes in my front yard and watch them for borer eggs (and squish them between my fingernails as I find them) until about a week after I find the first hole from a hatched borer. I usually get a few weeks of summer squash fruit before I rip out the entire plant and throw it away to do what I can to disrupt the lifecycle of the moths. I make sure to do this before the little buggers have time to pupate. I have heard that some people locally plant a second crop of zucchini since we currently only have one wave of them in MN (June to mid July.) About six weeks after the first egg sighting is generally the end of the borer season here, so I start my vining squash inside and put them out after 4ish weeks. I only have to watch them for a little while and they aren't as big and attractive to the little jerks. I have found that the eggs are mostly laid near the ground, so I grow the vining types up a trellis, but with a little slack so I can re-bury a stem if they get damaged. Most squash can grow roots from any leaf node, so if you work fast you can sometimes re-root a vine with damage further up the stem

[@meggrowsplants]

A solid strategy! So hard to get ahead of their life cycle

[@beatricewongchalermthan565]

Wow I had no idea there are certain varieties that are resistant. Ty for the info and saving us all so much pain! I've been loving your channel--your energy, vibrance, and humor are so great. I came from the Epic Gardening channels 😊. Also, you're so pretty!!! ❤

[@meggrowsplants]

Thank you so so so much for the kind words. I’m happy to have you here ❤️ lmk if you try any of the varieties!

[@RealBradMiller]

Cushaw squash have such tough stems that they can lay as many eggs as they want, and the things can't chew through... Mwahahahahahaha!!!

[@theheardhomestead]

@@RealBradMiller 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sowingseedsoflove791]

New follower here!! I loved this video so much!!! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@andreat9847]

I gave up on squash due to powdery mildew and squash vine borer. I'm in New England where squashes normally grows super easy. What took me so long to watch this? I can't wait to try some some cucurbita moschata next year

[@juliannegill5486]

Growing here in FL. Seminole squash - try grill or baking it. Tastes like butternut squash. And, thank you for the other varieties, we'll have to try them!

[@meggrowsplants]

You’re brave for growing in Florida! I’ve heard it’s super challenging. But thank goodness for the tough varieties that come out of Florida! Love the taste of Seminole (:

[@herbgellis9735]

Two more moschatas: My second year with these, they're Korean, seeds from Kitazawa seed Co. (now handled by True Leaf??): Both are summer squashes. (1) King Ka Ae, looks like a very smooth light green zucchini with tapered ends, pick small, slightly chubby at 5-6 inches, very fresh tasting. (2) Teot Bat Put, also nicknamed "Avocado Squash", as they are so shaped, best picked at 3-4 inches around, I would err on the smaller width. These are slightly sweet, with a yellow cast to the flesh, very attractive multi-green skin, and really productive. My experience with these moschatas are as you describe - resist the borers, and yield wave after wave. No mildew until late in their growth. I'm in central TX. I grow these on a squash tunnel trellis.

[@meggrowsplants]

I will be 100% looking for these to try! Thanks so much for your recommendations 🙏🏼

[@herbgellis9735]

@@meggrowsplants My pleasure! Note, the "avocado squash" if left to grow to full size will become a winter squash, tan in color. I accidentally did this when one of mine hid behind a splay of leaves, and came in at about 2.5 pounds. As such, it's pretty mild, not as interesting as others you mentioned. When picked young at the desired 3-4 inch girth, they will weigh on either side of a pound each. Not tiny!

[@sn232]

Thank you!

[@greenleafgardens]

Im growing King Ka Ae this year too! Haven’t had any SVB causalities yet, but they are attracting the squash bugs. 😢 I’m gonna try to keep up with handpicking the adults and the eggs everyday so hopefully I will break the cycle there.

[@MsGrannyfrog]

adding these to the "check out list"

[@mikki_s1100]

Started gardening this year in Texas and I might attempt squash knowing this! I’m so Icked out by grub/worm bugs like that I knew I couldn’t fight SVB on my own. Been sharing your video in my gardening groups, SVB is taking down everyone’s harvest currently!

[@meggrowsplants]

You should totally give it a try! I’ve definitely learned that the variety can mean all the difference. I really appreciate you sharing ❤️ happy gardening!

[@anneg8319]

Wonderful! Just the information I need! Thank you!

[@tonydillen]

I’ll have to give the Seminole Pumpkin a try, especially since we’re here in Seminole County Florida. Thanks for the advice 👍

[@PlantObsessed]

I grew a candy roaster last year. I love them but where to store a 2 foot long squash all winter lol. The chubby seeds were the best for roasting. Great video.👍🏼

[@tarawatterson4188]

Wow. Im so glad you shared. I didnt know some are resistant. Hope you will report back on these other varieties!

[@meggrowsplants]

I for sure will keep you guys updated (:

[@MountainViewGardens]

Great video. I grew Seminole pumpkins last year and it was amazing. So many pumpkins all season. I also grow the Tromboncino squash. Love it too! I garden in Central Virginia.

[@katherinecornette5315]

Yes! I grew Seminole pumpkins last year and they were amazing! Tough plants and yummy pumpkins! Will be planting them in a bigger plot this summer 🎃

[@hopegardens]

I love Renees garden seeds. It was great to hear someone mention them.

[@meggrowsplants]

They’re one of the best for sure. I’ve been using their seeds for years!

[@bonniejackson7476]

Thank you. I like you have struggled with this insidious bug! I’ve already seeded my regular plants but will try these as a late summer crop.

[@st2778]

I'm so excited about this information!!! THANKS A MILLION!

[@sherrylingenfelter8991]

I have 4 seminoles started. Bring on the pumpkins! Yes, growing in SW FL was difficult.

[@meggrowsplants]

Oh my goodness, you’re going to have SO many pumpkins!

[@sherrylingenfelter8991]

@@meggrowsplants yes, sure hope so. I want to grow enough to process for myself and give some away. We’ll see how they do here in SW MO. 🤪

[@hpdorkjnet]

I'm growing south anna butternut for the first time this year too, fingers crossed it does well 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@meggrowsplants]

I’m crossing my fingers for the both of us 🤞🏼

[@MsGrannyfrog]

The thing about South Anna (which I have grown since 2020) is they take longer to mature than Walthams. When nights get over 70F you will see aborted baby fruits.. So you get an early flush of fruit that will ripen on the vine, a lag, then a late flush of ones that may not be fully ripe before frost. Yes, you can cure inside but the keeping qualities, flavor and texture are not as good. We are south of VA where they were developed This year I am planting 7 vines but limiting each vine to 4 fruits, not allowing any tertiary fruits to develop and manually aborting after that to put all the energy into the existing fruits.

[@tangie_nthegarden]

I’m in Florida and finally started going Seminole pumpkins this year! I was fighting a losing battle with vine borer

[@meggrowsplants]

I can relate! It’s always a losing battle with the borers. You’ll love the seminoles!

[@gregbarmer1717]

I am SO thrilled to find this video! Perfect honesty about the squash, vine borer, and from another North Carolina - wonderful! Please tell me that you have found a vine borer resistant crookneck yellow summer squash I’m desperate!!! Many thanks.

[@bobbywilliams2839]

One recommendation. Try chineese pumpkin. I grew it and the production is insane and very resistant to diseases and no borers , sweeter than regular pumkin and the immature one can be eaten like zucchini and stores in good conditions over a year.

[@st2778]

Coastal SC here, sooo happy to have information related to my area. Zone 9a, and on a Sea Island. If it weren't for insect netting all 'winter' and correct varieties, I'd have absolutely no garden success. 😅

[@JenniferLeiser]

Did sx on my squash plant and extracted one little bugger. Hoping it saves the day!

[@tpen891]

Yep saw the first Melittia Cucurbitae the third week in April. Getting to the point that I am going to start my summer squash in August after the darn moth is gone. Thank you for all the information on other squashes I can try.

[@meggrowsplants]

Yep, that’s another great method is just waiting for the summer squash! But for winter squash that take all season, the moschatas are the way to go! Let me know if you try them! (:

[@KK-FL]

Thanks for saying that about it being hard to garden in FL 😂😂 It’s a struggle for sure but I learn more every year and things are getting better!

[@EdimentalGardens]

I did the injection method last year, and it was the only way we got spaghetti squash. The key was to start it early before they could ever take hold. I’m starting it now in our garden this year. Wish us luck! 🍀

[@meggrowsplants]

It does work for alot of people! It just has never worked for me no matter what I tried, and I still try it- determined for my Cinderella pumpkin some day. Good luck growing this year!! 🤞🏼

[@just_ducky_acres7561]

thanks for the info. You also may like to try Lunga DI Napoli (long of naples) or cushaw squash as well.

[@meggrowsplants]

Oooo I will look into those!! I actually just ordered a cushaw!

[@RealBradMiller]

Yup! Im growing Cushaw someone gave me on a hill, apparently they are a super hardy variety, and a good pumpkin substitute! This one is over a year old, looked great, seeds are drying as we speak, and I planted some already!

[@capeeddy]

Thanks for the info. As a fellow North Carolinian I am very familiar with the squash vine borer and have lost many plants by their evil deeds 😂. I'll try some of the varieties you mentioned next year.

[@meggrowsplants]

I swear, there is no bug that is more evil! I hope these varieties might work for you!

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

Squash bugs are my nemesis

[@Maspets]

They're so cute though.

[@lisakruger5289]

I hate squash vine borers too! I have given up on growing squash - which is one of my favorites too! I have never had a successful squash harvest thanks to them! I will have big, beautiful plants one day....then the next they are going limp thanks to those rotten squash vine borers! So thank you so much for the tip on the other varieties!

[@meggrowsplants]

I hope you decide to keep trying and find a variety that works that you really love! Try the Seminole pumpkin! (: don’t let them win!

[@JenniferHarmany]

I live outside of Charlotte too. I'm so glad I found your channel because we're in the same zone!

[@meggrowsplants]

Well hey neighbor!

[@theheardhomestead]

Last year I literally googled what pumpkins do they NOT LIKE, and bought those. Acorn king and queen, and blue jardhelle

[@meggrowsplants]

Acorn is one I haven’t tried yet!

[@theheardhomestead]

@@meggrowsplants and let me clarify. These are ones stinkbugs do not like.

[@emkn1479]

Ugh…the worst! We had so many insects of all kinds last year, especially on cucurbits. I’m really hoping for a better year. And trying to plant some blue Hubbard squash first, as a bait. I’m planting quite a few squash and they’re already started…so I guess I’ll be keeping track of which ones fair better. Gonna look for moschata next year! We have grown tromboncino/rampicante for years and you’re right, they’re incredible! I noticed they were vigorous and seemingly resistant, didn’t know they were moschata! What a helpful video! And yes, they’re fun to share…especially some of the extra “quirky” ones 😅😉

[@singncarpenter6270]

This is a great video. I'm in central Texas and I have been fighting the borers for a few years. I planted a few varieties of squash for fall harvest if they don't get destroyed and luckily one of the varieties in Seminole pumpkins. You're right about all the preventative methods being kind of a waste of time and effort. It's best to just grow varieties that work. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@markg454]

You are so good on camera. Thanks for the informatin.

[@meggrowsplants]

Thank you so much!

[@azurebluehc299]

Love to cook all things pumpkin. While browsing some East End farm stands here on Long Island (NY), a farmer introduced me to the Long Island Cheese Pumpkin. I have never looked back. Trying to grow my own this year for the first time. Did some research and it, too, is a Cucurbita moschata. So excited! Good luck with your varieties! That Trombetta is awesome!

[@meggrowsplants]

Pumpkin is so underrated! Long Island cheese looks so interesting! Kinda like the tan cheese I am trying this year. Good luck to you with your squash growing journey!! ❤️

[@JessicaLee.3]

I'm in the mid Atlantic region and we have the exact same issues with the pests and disease. Thanks for this video. I'm going to attempt some of these!

[@meggrowsplants]

Wish there was a way to eradicate them, lol. I hope some of these suggestions work for you!!

[@philmarasco32]

Very Nice Job. I'll have to try those next year

[@groussac]

Thanks Meg. Count me as a new subscriber. Hopefully I can apply NC lessons to Iowa Zone 5. Looking forward to hearing more about you successes and setbacks vs the SVB. Anyone who's ever gone to bed with a perfectly healthy squash and awoken the next day a plant that's completely down can understand Jonah's sorrow at the loss of his gourd. "And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death." Jonah 4:9.

[@kimberlyearly8918]

I’m growing rampicante and have had four vine borers. Two were on one plant but I was able to find the worm and save the plant. But, I ended up not catching one and ended up having to cut tons of leaves off. I love the taste of the young squash but bigger than the young one you showed. I think I like it better than zucchini because it doesn’t have any seeds until you get to the bottom. It’s ‘meatier’.

[@LeAnnWeih]

Hi Meg, I grew up gardening in the midwest where we didn't have SVB. Moving to Greensboro I tried to grow all of my favorite squash (acorn, hubbard, zukes, etc). What heartache when each and everyone of the plants died. So a few years ago I started growing only c.moschata and like a miracle no more SVB. I have had good luck with waltham, honeynut, and tromonccino. Tromboncinno is so prolific. I actually like it better than zuchinni and it freezes so well. I am trying seminole this year as well as tahitian melon from SESE. I always get squash bugs at the end of the season but by that time everything is so far along that I get a good harvest. Thanks for sharing your experience. I look forward to hearing about your how your new varieties perform!

[@MsGrannyfrog]

Very well-done video. Been growing winter squashes in South Carolina since 2014 - some additional insights. (1) Yes, give them time the SVBs will attack tromboncino and Seminole pumpkins as well and do some damage but won't take out the plant. (2) Another one to consider is the South Anna butternut. It is a mildew resistant stable hybrid of Seminole pumpkin and Waltham butternut. I find more meat and better flavor (JMO) than the Seminole though I usually don't push them past April and process anything left by then by roasting and freezing in vacuum bags. By then we are pretty tired of them anyway. (3) The Tromboncino does not have decent flavor to me as a winter squash so I only save for seed. I do think as a summer squash it is superior though the flavor and texture are not an exact match for yellow squash and zukes. A huge plus is how nicely the tromboncino takes to spiralizing and cooking in sauce. Warning. When you cut it it bleeds this slimy good that you need to get off of everything before it dries! Very much like mucilage in okra. (4) I have finally survived both summer squash and some c maxima varieties with the BT injection but here is the deal. It requires daily inspection of the stems for frass. Easy to do with a bush squash not so with a vining squash with all those vines. Then the injection is both above and below the hole. I had a summer squash last year survive 4 separate attacks and keep on producing that way. The main reason I grow them is it takes a while for the tromboncinos to get to the proint of producing fruit and this gets you an early harvest. In both cases I hand bred best to best to maximize flavor and meat quantity and minimize seed cavity in the Tromboncino. Trellising is the way to go for me! I see another person posted with other C moschata variants. Going to check it out.

[@attorneycarissa]

Omg. My first time growing pumpkins and that's when I met the squash vine bores. I've lost three plants and I've given up on pumpkins altogether for this season. 😢

[@cindyannefontenot]

I am in zone 9B in Houston area and fighting these dang squash bugs as we speak!!! We had horrible weather with lots of rain and bad storms that kept us without power and now my plants look like they’re dying, but I’ve been fighting bugs, mosquitos and am at the point that I want to pull the plants, but I have gotten some zucchini that grew great and a few yellow crookneck which grew small.

[@lexi-vx1pd]

Love this video! Zone 6 here, grew Cherokee tan pumpkins last year-very robust, squash vine borers were spotted but they didn’t seem to be affected.

[@meganhallman0812]

Im growing here in North Carolina and the borers are my biggest struggle

[@azbz1z2z75]

Thank you for this information. It is good to know i can just choose a different kind of squash seed and avoid the bores I really appreciate this.

[@barbaralong8665]

I live in central,California. We get little rain but it is very hot. A lot of southern vegetables grow very well here and I have some of the same issues. Can’t wait to find out how you do and trying some of your suggested varieties

[@meggrowsplants]

Yes! Even though you don’t have SVB im sure you still deal with squash bugs and mildews. And usually if the variety can hold up to SVB it can hold up to everything else. Lmk if you try some of the varieties I mentioned!

[@Texasymbols]

We started gardening about the same time! SVB is my nemesis. I didn't plant any this year bc of it. 😢 I can't wait to try these!!

[@meggrowsplants]

You definitely need to try them! But yes, SVB is the worst bug ever. I hate it so much

[@kayb.5322]

I am in Houston and my garden pest is the vine borers and leaf foot bug. This has been so helpful, I am shopping for seeds. Thank you!

[@hollydimig3998]

Great advice. I’m so glad I saw this. I also live in North Carolina and then trying to grow my first squash and pumpkins this year

[@Debbie-Keller]

Me too!! It took all of my squash yesterday

[@meggrowsplants]

Oh no :(

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

Excellent video and right on time. I am in GA and I was having a terrible time with my squash. I just created a trellis and I just ordered the seeds you suggested. Looking forward to actual harvests this year.

[@RobinGardens]

TY very helpful. SVB ia a nemesis for me too. I've done South Anna and Autumn Frost both were not hit by SVB but PM is a problem with both...but they did muscle through it.

[@meggrowsplants]

Thank you, that’s good to know! I’m really excited for the autumn frost!

[@gilliandarby]

I’m happy to hear this is working for you, because I have been wondering the same thing for the past couple of years - maybe if I only plant c. moschata varieties I won’t have to deal with SVB. So last year I tried tromboncino for the first time and loved them! This year I am adding Musquee de Provence to see how they do. And I grow Butternut every year. Do you know if there are any of the hull-less seed pumpkins that are c. moschata? A tip I learned last year is to pre-emptively bury parts of the stem further along the vines a couple weeks before the SVB usually arrives in your area, instead of waiting until you see the damage. All of my buttercup and spaghetti squash plants were attacked by SVB but I was actually able to save about 2/3 of them by doing this. Unfortunately I didn’t learn this tip until I had already started training them up a trellis, so I had to “de-trellis” a few feet lol. I’ve been enjoying your appearances on Epic Gardening and glad I decided to check out your channel. Looking forward to more videos! Cheers from Ontario, Canada.

[@nicolejordan767]

I’m tempted now to try pumpkin again. I tried once several years ago with no success.

[@meggrowsplants]

Don’t give up! Maybe try out the Seminole pumpkin 🎃

[@angelaschettino1327]

Thx for the info. Pls let us know if you find a more traditional summer zucchini variety! I detest those bugs!!!

[@Marta_is_here]

I’m near San Antonio. Even though zucchini is one of my most favorite veg to eat. I just give up. Last year I got a whopping 12 zucchini before destruction. I was out there everyday picking eggs and shooting BT! I even tried growing zucchini in a netted bed, but the leaves got too big and pressed the net and the mildewed. I gave it a 6 year run. Nope, no more. LOL, this year I plan to visit my local small farmer every week and get my zucchini fix there.

[@mrspogadaeus]

Another way to keep up with squash is to grow them under cover... With TULLE. If you really love summer squash or want to grow another variety, you either have to grow them in a high tunnel (and keep it shut tight) and put out SVB MOTH traps, which may help keep them from laying eggs or stop them from laying too many eggs... I bought Seminole seeds last year, and I am going to try it this year. I've got several butternuts growing now. Save those seeds!

[@pamelacooley6457]

I’m in Georgia and trying this this year

[@daniellebailey6802]

I did Rampicante last year with good results. This year I'm trying Korean Zucchini.

[@daniellebailey6802]

I'm also trying long island cheese pumpkin. It has a very "Cinderella" shape.

[@reneauyoungblood3733]

Louisiana newbie gardener and last weekend found my first SVBs of this season on my yellow squash and zuccs. Grrrrrr!!!! Definitely will look into the Moschata because who has time for this!!! I don't have a lot of space to garden and wonder if there are any smaller varieties you recommend? I do have some trellis up, but I don't think it's strong enough for those huge trombettas, even though they sound yummmy!! Thanks for all the great info you share! :)

[@meggrowsplants]

You can grow the Seminole along the ground, if you have the ground space instead! Last year I started Seminole along the trellis but it ended up trailing the ground anyways!

[@KK-FL]

Black Futsu is another interesting looking moscata. Trying it this year!

[@Maria-ql3fc]

I grew it this yr and it's very prolific , I hope it taste good because I have a bigger harvest from them than any of the other mochatas

[@KK-FL]

@@Maria-ql3fc haha come back and let us know so we don't waste our time if it's not good!

[@Maria-ql3fc]

@@KK-FL I will do that 😊

[@pd8559]

Breeding my own landrace of C. Moschatas in Texas. Vicious pest problems here so I breed them tough. All are mixed into the genetics, Small Seminole, Large Seminole, South Anna, Cherokee, Cheese, You name it it's mixed in. This year we had a false spring and the regular squash bugs came out early in force. Took out over a hundred seedlings as they normally don't arrive until the seedlings grow larger and stronger. But that means the squash left are strongest genetics. Also growing C. Agyrosperma, green and orange striped Cushaw squash which makes better tasting pumpkin pie and is also very resistant. Also look into the luffa gourd types for a summer squash replacement, they have common names mixing up plants like 'vining okra'. Eaten young these make a good summer squash and the squash pests don't even know about them as they aren't giving off smells like normal squash plants.

[@meggrowsplants]

That is all amazing!! I have a cool hybrid volunteer from last year popping up where I had Seminole and trombetta planted. Doesn’t look like either of them so I’m thinking it’s a hybrid. Gonna be super curious to see how it turns out! Plants are so fun. Yes, I totally forgot to mention about luffa. I’ve grown that for a couple of years and also seems to be highly resistant!

[@pd8559]

@@meggrowsplants maybe I'll get you on the landrace train if only for a vegetable or two. You can catch up there are some videos by Joseph Lofthouse and a book to bring anyone up to speed. We have free seeds and education classes as well to help get folks started.

[@cyberninja76a]

thank you, ive been planning for a few years yo try the cindy, & gray & white ones, ur very super helpful.❤

[@meggrowsplants]

Thank you and thank you for watching! ❤️

[@CB-sr8ee]

So this is going to sound barbaric l, but one year when I got svb I stuck a screwer in the stem and swirled it around then added BT to the area, then wrapped the base of the vine with grafting tape. It bounced back. I was amazed.

[@tammystoddard2830]

I’m actually eating a Seminole pumpkin right now. I got 27 from one plant. Mine were mostly personal softball size so next time I will cut the vines back sooner to hopefully get fewer but larger. Funny thing is my chickens won’t eat it raw or cooked or even the seeds.

[@meggrowsplants]

That’s so strange your chickens won’t eat it! Mine go CRAZY for them. You could have a different variety of Seminole. Southern exposure has many different varieties of Seminole. There is a smaller and larger variety, I think I have the medium variety. I ordered some of the even larger variety to try as well! But yes, I love how prolific they are!

[@deb1973d]

I grow the Seminole and Zucchino Rampicante (Tromboncino). They are well worth it. I also grow Cherokee Tan. They're on the small side, but do well for me. Seminole is my hands-down favorite.

[@anneg8319]

South Carolina here. Cherokee Tan pumpkin sounds interesting. Deep Homestead South did a taste comparison with Semiole and thought the taste of Cherokee Tan much better. Also it grows roots at every leaf node providing it with constant nutrition rather than it needing to draw all nutrition/water from single point making it very strong and prolific. (would not be able to trellis though) Not sure Seminole does. (growing Seminole first time this year) Also squash vine borer are does not like. Love, love the idea of the Trombetta Di Albenga. Will be trying. Thanks again.

[@timmcquerry6068]

I've just learned more about squash in 18 min. than learned in 60yrs.!!! Thank you So Much 💓. I'm living in N.W. Florida and its Tough! I've got Seminole pumpkins in and was wandering just an hour ago,why they are not any larger than they are? Now I know just give them a little more time. (They are 120 day plants). Anyway thanks again and we'll see what this summer brings. 😊

[@kb1236]

I am trying Centercut Squash this year, it is a F1 version of the heirloom tromboncino and suppose to be SVB resistant. I hope it works. I planted loads of squash in several varieties this year in hopes of getting one or two to eat before the SVB take them out. In past years no matter what I tried they all died before producing squash.

[@meggrowsplants]

I will have to look into that one! You should totally try the Seminole pumpkin as well. Good luck to you this year! 🤞🏼

[@dianemajka5374]

Lost all my squash! Including my spaghetti squash, my butternut seems ok so far. I had absolutely no luck with that spray, will be trying the aluminum foil next

[@lynnlovessoil]

I am trying parthenocarpic varieties of squash this year. I just covered them with shade cloth and we will see. Fingers crossed I get squash this year.

[@MsKpuff]

first time i ever found out about these bugs was last year when they infected all my squash through out the whole season. This year i have my squash in a bed with a bug net cover and PVC hoops. I will just have to hand pollinate but i love the standard yellow squash so much i dont want to have to grow something different! Hoping it works out.

[@maggieward1892]

I love southern exposure seed!! Awesome ppl awesome seeds and prices. Everything I get from them grows super well here zone 6b 7.

[@attorneycarissa]

As I try growing vegetables, I'm amazed human beings didn't go extinct. I know we started agriculture, but how did they get actual harvests without losing everything to weather, poor soil, and pests??

[@alliepopoff325]

Oh Meg, I feel this so hard. Thanks for sharing, I'm going to be trying my very best against those vine borers this year. Again.

[@michaell1665]

Great info

[@nixaluckyazn]

i got my last years’ squash plants absolutely demolished by squash vine borers last year- i had never even heard of them before and have had happy squash in years prior

[@meggrowsplants]

It seems like they’re just getting worse every year. They’re absolutely evil! Maybe try out some of these varieties and see how it goes!

[@andrearodriguez5512]

I just lost my Squash plants it's terrible they take them out fast every thing else looks great tho I'm going to try again next year 🙃 have a great day everybody 🌷

[@sarahf2800]

It sounds like we've had similar journeys with SVBs. My solution has been to plant later. I do sacrifice some harvest to the frost but it seems to work, especially for smaller pumpkins that mature quickly. Really interested to try the Seminole though!

[@YACABE]

I grew King Ka Ae squash from Kitazawa seeds, and it did well. We'll see how this year goes with it. It's suppose to svb resistant.

[@meggrowsplants]

Ooo interesting I will have to look that one up! Thanks!

[@greenleafgardens]

I feel like the aluminum trick works only if you have SVB pressure in early season. But here in NC, they are around all season so it’s impossible to keep up

[@meggrowsplants]

Exactly!

[@acatinthegarden]

Thank you so much for this! Being from the north I was naive when I moved to Texas and just planted a bunch of squash my first year. Every single plant was destroyed 🙈 I’ve been using shade cloths to cover the plants so the moths can’t get to them but I will keep an eye out for resistant varieties, though spaghetti squash and butternuts attracted the borers the most for me :/

[@meggrowsplants]

Oh gosh!! That must have been quite a shock to go from northern to southern gardening, especially Texas! My friend Vanessa, the one that recommended Seminole pumpkin, is in Texas so you should totally try that variety!

[@acatinthegarden]

@@meggrowsplants Thank you! It’s too late for me to plant pumpkins this year but I’ll definitely give it a try next year 🥰