How I Grow Squash Vertically To Combat Squash Borers!
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2023
- In this video I go over my process for growing squash vertically to fight squash borers!
All of my favorite gardening tools can be found here:
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#squash #gardening #squashborers
I love the idea. Maybe drive the stake, plant the seed and train from the beginning?
That's what I was thinking 😊
Lol. That’s what I was thinking
Great, I thought it seemed obvious
My thoughts exactly as soon as I watched.
Haha I was about to comment the same thing.
I cut back my lemon verbena, and use it as a mulch place it around the squash. Have not had a borer kill my plant in 2 to 3 year's.
I have to try your method. I failed at growing zucchini plants every year for 3 years in a row, no matter which month I grew them and I also grew them vertically. 😔
I would definitely have to start sooner. At that stage of growth my plants would already have the borers
I think my seeds come with vine borers 😂😢😅
@@user-mc3se2de8o🙋♀️ Same here!
Exactly. Last year, squash bugs killed my plants before they got anywhere near that size.
at 75 I am not too old to learn, thanks
Never too old
I do the same thing but I use the long fuzzy pipe cleaners twisted together . I buy them cheap at the craft section of most stores , I spiral it up around the stem and stake so as not to put a strain on any one spot where the string touches the plant,,,,,I used to use old pantyhose which worked great but are such a thing of the past . The people who saved them for me no longer wear them !
Go right ahead, lol. (Remember that old Joe Namath pantyhose commercial?)
But I doubt you'll convince most women who grew up wearing hose. Uncomfortable, inconvenient, and constantly needing replacement. And tacky looking when they sagged (usually by mid-afternoon) or ran (at least once a week).
Maybe strips of old t-shirt would work for tying without cutting into the plant (if you can't find panty hose).
I love it when people do personal experiment to derive something that can help us grow food better . Thank you !
Spinosad
I love the sound of the forest in the background.
I did this a few years. I liked it. I did it for convenience of picking and not sprawling all over the ground. Put the stake in the ground when you sow the seed or transplant and it makes the job lot easier.
nasturtium mint or dill near squash for companion plant to help repell borers. thanks for the tips all.
I’m trying marigolds this year
@@chickadeeacres3864 I had marigolds all around my squash. Seemed to have less squash bugs, but when it came to my nemesis, the borers, didn't seem to change a thing. But maybe you'll have better luck than me!
Definitely want to try this! I feel like I’m breeding squash bugs instead of growing squash so I have high hopes for this!!!
I just looked it up to double check and yes, squash bugs and squash vine borers are two different things. The borers are larvae of a moth. So, this staking thing against the borers, pry wouldn't make a dif. with the bugs, other than I spose keeping the plant healthier and able to defend itself/not attract pests, so much. For squash bugs, this may help, it's my go-to to prevent cucumber beetles but it was listed as working against squash bugs where I 1st got the idea, in "Carrots love tomatoes" book. Take a palmful ( sm. handful) of tobacco - we get plain pipe tobacco- and put in soil at planting or transplanting time. (I have added it later, if your plants are already out)
Can also experiment making a spray treatment out of it. Also of note is that the squash species ( there are 4 main ones) C. Maxima, are most susceptible to squash bugs, according to my copy of "Seed to Seed". That group incl. buttercup ( my fave :( ! ), all hubbard, turban and banana, and Queensland blue. More, but those are the popular ones in it, I took note of. ButterNUT is C. Moschata, for ex. of other popular squash which are in other species groups, and which may be more resilient for ya against those squash bugs, along with trying the tobacco.
Have given up on squash due to vine borers, I guess this year am gonna cordon off my zucchini with breathable cloth covers and hand pollinate them to beat the borers
Wish me luck 🤞
@@ajb.822 Good additional info. I too looked up the vine borer resistant varieties. So, this year I'm trying these - Lakota, Tatume, Zucchini Italian striped, and Spaghetti (vine). The addition of tobacco in the soil sounds like it is something worth trying. However, I wonder if you cover the ground with landscaping fabric would it be necessary. What's your thoughts?
How does it affect production? How much did you harvest off thst thing before and after staking?
Production is great with staking. The blooms are up high for pollinators to access, and the plants look beautiful!
In SE Michigan we get a lot of Powdery Mildew fungus. It might seem this would help a little with that since the aeration is improved around the leaves.
If you can help it, dont top water, the less water on top of the leaves the better!
Have to watch those leaves while watering 😢😂
You're right. I live in mid-MI and have used this method for the last couple of years and definitely have fewer problems with powdery mildew.
The only Squash that seems to be immune to squash bugs is Tromboncino. I grew 2 plants that produced over 60 large squash, some 2-3 feet long. They are easy to grow and taste similar to Butternut..
Are they orange fleshed?
Tromboncino is a moschata squash variety ( Cucurbita moschata, like butternut, cushaw and others) with very thick stems that are too tough for borers.
Tatume was also really resistant. It's a circular one like 8 ball. Lemon squash also had great resistance. And I liked avocado squash too. Those 4 were the best. I still do regular bit once the borers get them I'm out.
That's what I grow too, but here the plant will still eventually succumb to borers. I even had borers digging in to the fruit it gets so bad.
Also had excellent success with Tromboncino not being affected by vine borers. Squash bugs and leaf-footed stink bugs hit it, but it's a tough plant. I grow it vertically, and am eager to try Zucchini vertically.
Lil trick I learned from my pawpaw. Use pantyhose instead of jute or other twines bc it stretches and is less sharp and hard on the vines
Yes! Works great on keeping maggots from apples, too!
lol where did pawpaw get those pantyhose? 😂
Oh what a great idea, I'm going to experiment this season and try this out, I can see the logic of the bugs not liking being up and in the open like that and even if it only slows the borer and bugs down I'll be happy.
I have not grown squash like this in the past. I also have terrible issues with vine borers and squash bugs. I think I will try an experiment this year also!
This reminds me of what a mess I had last year with vine borers. Will try.
Update: I used an upside down tomato cage for my one squash plant. It wasn't such a good fit, with the big huge leaves of the squash, but no vine borer, so far - I don't remember what month they showed up last year. My squash is huge and taking over the whole bed, which kind of looks like the one next to the round planter in this video. I think I am going to cut the thing down, so I can plant stuff I like better. and my cucumbers and dill don't get crowded out.
Love this guys attitude.
I did this last year because my golden zucchini plant was getting too big. I did not, however, clear the bottom. In fact, the plant was HUGE like a palm tree! 😂 I got pickle worms and finally squash borers took it out! There were at least 7 that I found in the stem!
Wrap the stem with foil will also improve success.
I am going to try that this year
Agreed. I've tried foil and it works, until the vine hits the ground again.
@@DollyTheLlama Stake it.
I tried wrapping the stem at the ground and having the foil go down into the ground and inch or so and it really worked. No more vine borers because they lay their eggs right in the soil at the base.
I did that but for the whole plant. It looked like an intergalactic Alex Jones plant😂 But it was the only one who survived 😭
I had a romanesco zucchini snap last year while it was almost 7 ft tall with the skin on one side still connected. I sat it up straight again and roots from the top portion grew down into the stem that it broke from to heal itself!
Vine borers have been a terrible problem here. So glad I found your video. I'm doing it this year.
Its the same idea in growing medicinal “herbs “ Called lollipop pruning Clearing the lower stem Most pests dont like large open areas You can also use other pest remedies yellow sticky cards etc and DE arojnd the soil to stop bugs from getting on the stems ✌🏻🇺🇸
I am not sure but I would think so.
@raghead
I had the worst infestation of ants in my bathroom, I'VE EVER HAD... IN MY LIFE!!!
I used four Terro bait traps... didn't phase them. They usually handle the problem but not this time.
So I sprinkled diatomaceous earth all around and that finally got them.
They completely covered the bathroom floor, the ceiling and up the walls.
I honestly thought I was going to have to move.
I sprinkle it around my plants outside in my garden too and it takes care of slugs.
D.E. is awesome!
God bless all here
Jude, from Kentucky
✝️ 🐴 🌱🇺🇸
I love this idea but here in west central Alabama, my plants would already be infested with SVB by the time they were this large.
What part of West central Alabama ? I'm on the edge of Tuscaloosa/Jefferson
@@davidbaker8762 Tuscaloosa
@@davidbaker8762 I am in Tuscaloosa (city)
I took fencing across my clothesline and have been growing my spaghetti squash upright for a few years now.
I have been covering mine with row cover and hoops. It works but you have to hand pollinate. I hate vine bores and the stupid moths. I watched a video on a Texas gardener using moth ball water to deter the moths from landing in the first place. Great video sir, Thank You!
I wouldn't use toxic moth ball water in my organic garden. Just a thought.
@@charleeghee7195 he had it in jugs, he was not pouring thr water on the plants.
@@jessicascott4846 Oh, ok, thanks for that important detail. Then, I might try it myself. Thanks.
That's prob the only way I'll try it again. I've been gardening for over 20 years and squash just isn't worth the trouble in TX.
Why not put pole down before you plant seed.
My thoughts
What if the seed is a dud
Way too easy. If you know anything about us men, we look cooler when we make things harder than they should be. It allows us to explain more things.
@@krispendleton4662thank you, I understand my husband so much better now! 😆
@@heartsandmindsathome 😅
Even when growing vertically your plants are not immune from borers. Your best bet is to learn when borers are active in your area and apply BT to the stem regularly during that window.
What is BT?
@@mystica8788Baccillus thuringiensis. It kills larval stages of butterflies/moths and mosquitos.
@@mystica8788 It's a bacteria. It didn't work for me but I think I had trouble with my syringe so maybe I didn't fully get it injected.
You can also learn what the breeding season is for your area and try planting very early or wait till after the breeding season passes. Then you won’t have to do anything.
I’m going to try this. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful garden! Thank you for the advice!
Great video!
I grow as much as I can vertically. I have been growing squash for years. I still lose plants to the borer, and beetles.
The thing about this method, is you can see the pests easier, so hopefully, you can stop the damage from becoming lethal.
I use "plant velcro " to put my plants up. It works great, is adjustable, and reusable.
I'm trying this method this season for the first time. Just went out to the garden, trimmed the existing squash plants and tied them to stakes. I'm liking this already! I also had two in a different area that were only 7-8" tall and put stakes in before they started growing big. Thanks so much for this video.
Fantastic!
I tried this last year, did really good
I will be doing this today, thank you!!
Very clever. I’ll try it this season.
Great idea, thanks for sharing
thanks . my friend , i grew mine like that last year , grew really great. bob
Great tip ! Thanks
Silhouette Slimmers® Gabardine Plant daikon radish with the squash to repel the moth from laying eggs. Still like staking them
Good tip thanks for sharing 👍 will be trying this 👍
Excellent post!
I’m so glad Austin told me about your channel! We just planted our squash. Definitely trying this!
Welcome!!
Thank you great idea! Im growing squash this year so I'll definitely do this!!! Would give me more room!!
For sure trying this out this year!
These are amazing step by step instructions. Trying it on my plants. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and experience. Great video!
Thank you, you're an awesome instructor!
Beautiful plants. Thanks for the info. I will place my pole before I plant.
Nice!!! I love this idea!!❤
I’m trying this in garden this year. This helps validate I’m doing the right thing. Thank you for sharing.
Certainly
I am so impressed with how easily you can cross sit! Love your gardening tips too….
Thank you so much! LOL
Will give it a try, thanks!
Love the idea
I’m going to try this. Thanks.
Sometimes YT gives me the best recommendations. This looks like it could work.
Oh wow this is stunning! Thank you so much! For many months I've been investigating and designing an enclosed greenhouse innovation with a hydroponics system named and designed by a hydroponics developer the "Kratky" method. And I want to focus edible leaves growing on vines or other perennials that can be harvested when they're young and tender and parts of those plants that will readily regrow creating a year-round harvest and I know that there are pumpkin and squash varieties where are the leaves are edible. A video like this has inspired me so much to continue the research and development.
Great idea and video
Wonderful idea!! I have subscribed!
Thank you so much!
Thanks I’m gonna try this
Thank you!
LOVE THIS VIDEO!!! I've grown cucumbers vertically up a trellis for years and always wanted to figure this out for zucchini. Borers are terrible in New England!! thank you!
I’m definitely trying this
Too cool, thank you!!
That is an interesting idea. Going to try vet wrap as well.
I need to do that..thank you, Sir.
This a great idea. My squash are smaller than yours. I need to get on it.
Cool idea! In about 2 more weeks, I'll be ready to plant my seedlings (and finally get them out of my grow room!)
I'm going to try this with Spaghetti Squash & Sweet Dumpling Squash.
Squash bugs took out all my squash last year, so I'm super excited to try this!
Thank you! Oh & I Subscribed!!
Thank you..I will try..so hard to grow them here bc of the borers.
I've never staked up summer squash before. Good idea 👍. Squash bugs sucks!
Wow. Amazing :) Thanks for sharing :)
I have been growing squash vertically for a few years and find the stem where you cut it gets frail and dried out.
I need this info. I started growing in the fall instead of the spring.
I had hoped that would solve it for me. It didn't.😭
Best idea.
Thank you ❤
Would love to see how you are treating powdery mildew, fertilizering, etc, your plants look great.
Great video thanks!
Glad you liked it!
I found zip ties easier to use, really long ones and I just tighten them as the plant adjusts to the new position. Standing did help with powdery mildew and made it easier to see squash bugs. for vine borers it just made it easier to spot any holes on the stem.
I will have to try adding the pole like this. I have used the square type tomato cage, and added the foam pipe insulation to the cross pieces, for the leaves to set on as it grows. It helps in keeping the leaf stems from braking as much like they do on just the wire. Pool noodle will work also, just cut a slit in it to slide over the wire form. Limited on space so I try to grow up, instead of out.
Awesome!
Stupid question: Is the squash get heavy, so hanging like that, will it break the plant before maturity? Thanks for the great idea
I have used bamboo stakes and those green vinyl(?) coated stakes. Both work great.
Why not put the pole on the right side where the plant would lean up against the pole and tie it that way. It would put less stress on the stem. If you understand what im saying, cant explain it well.
Exactly what I would do..everyone has their ideas..
Hello from my northwest Florida homestead. Your video popped up in my recommended videos. I watched and then looked at your channel for a followup video but I couldn't find a followup video on this experiment. How did your experiment conclude, bugs? harvest?
I do like to grow vertically whenever I can convince the plant to do it; I've never had luck with doing the summer squash varieties vertically but this method of yours is a different idea than I have employed in the past so I definitely will use a similar strategy next time I plant these varieties.
Love the instructions! What type of landscaping fabric do you use and thanks!
Wonderful! I hate those bugs!!!
I can put out a borer trap with no squash growing and catch a dozen a day. I have no idea where they are coming from. There must be a wild curcubit growing in the nearest green belt. Svb’s are undefeated
This was immensely helpful! I’m using ibc tote wicking beds because I have relentless grass that chokes everything out otherwise (Bermuda) and in my area we don’t get rain! So I have to grow vertically to be able to plant more than just one squash or zucchini in a bed. Last summer I dealt with a massive amount of squash bugs and it was a nightmare. Neem oil and de didn’t work for me at all! I’m hoping this helps, I love zucchini and squash and use the two in combination in all my recipes just about. Especially chilli, soups, stews, I love to make bread, anything that needs moisture in a dish I grind up zucchini and squash together and it makes every dish taste soooo much better. I love tomatoes and dishes that use it like chili but I can’t handle too much of the acid so the squash/zucchini as a base mediates how much I use of tomato and I don’t know but I use it for everything just about lol. For whatever reason the two add a flavor that otherwise is lacking so I of course want to protect my plants so I can actually get a harvest this year.
I lost a zucchini plant to borers this week. Will use this method for next year. Got me tapping tomatoes and stuff now.
Just don't make it weird! Also try to grow Rampicante. I love them and they are borer resistant.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I have been able to grow anything and everything over the years, except squash. It gets destroyed by borers every single time. Will try this!
me too! Unfortunately, growing vertically and trimming the lower leaves hasn't helped. I've been doing it for years. It was a little better when I grew squash in the fall. Fewer SVB but they were there (unlike what I was told). In the last few days I've given up on my zucchini and yellow squash (mid May). Tromboncino seems to be the only one resistant because of the thick stem. Nice thing is you can harvest it young and eat like zucchini or let it stay on the vine to use as a winter/keeper squash. Plants lasted through the fall last year. We're near Houston.
I wish this stopped Nebraska vine borders. I have been doing this for four years now.
Iv got a unlimited supply of nice bamboo...im going to use bamboo..also will make trellis for my black eyed peas
Thanks so much! New sub! ❤
Welcome!!
I beat the squash bugs and vine borers this yr..I started the seeds for zucchini, cocozelle, and summer squash in Feb..inside and planted them in the garden last month!..with all this rain they are huge and fruiting!..I was covering them with frost protection when the temps dropped..I should have a nice harvest before those bugs come out!!!
well, dang. Our SVBs arrive in late April or early May.
I tried many ways on my squash. I used Sevin dust last year for the borers and squash bettles. It kept my crop longer than before. The only downside is rain washes it off then they attack.
You can also spray Neem Oil
Great video. Is that standard landscape fabric?
😃🎉 Excellent
I subscribed to your channel 🙏
Next year, I will try this, it's too late to start them now for them to be finished by July. It gets too hot in SE Texas.
When I plant my squash I put a large tomato cage around them and they grow up (with a little coaxing) the air going threw also keeps fungus down
If you are fighting Vine borers doing it this way helps you. Seeing the worm holes, or the eggs laid by the Melittia Cucurbitae so you can catch it early. Cutting off the stem that has a vine borer in it or remove the eggs is a must to end the cycle. Using a stake or a cage to keep it off the ground will help.
For squash bugs last year, i found making a solution of peroxide and water helped
Do you spray it on? How often?
Sqush vine borers are only active for a couple of months and they are in the soil. I'm convinced if you can plant earlier and later in the season you can avoid them. I've been studying this problem for years. I read about trellising squash years ago, but never got the chance to experiment with that. Seems like it would at the very least help eliminate the svb--less places for them to live. Maybe having chickens would help--they would eat them.... At least that would be the plan, lol....