Nematodes, Lack Of Pollination May Hamper Squash Growth
Question: Each year my squash blooms prolifically but seldom produce any squash to eat. What am I doing wrong ?
Answer: Squash plants produce male and female blooms. For fruit to set, pollen must be transferred from the male to the female bloom. Pollinating insects, mostly bees, carry out this important job resulting in fresh squash for the kitchen. When treating the garden for insects and diseases, spray or dust in the late afternoon to avoid killing the bees.
Another possible cause of squash not bearing fruit is the possibility of nematode infestation. Check roots for galls of nematodes.
Question: What is the web-like substance on many trees on the edge of town ?
Answer: What you are seeing is tent caterpillars. These caterpillars form webs that cover the branches of the trees while eating the foliage. The damage is minimal but unsightly. If you find it necessary, spray with Orthene or Bacillus thuringiensis.
Question: Why do the annuals that I buy need water three times a day ? Answer: A plant growing naturally of its own accord produces top growth in direct proportion to its roots, but flowers grown in greenhouses are products of a totally unnatural situation. They get all the sunlight, humidity, water and fertilizer they ever want so they grow many more flowers, leaves and stems than their roots could support if they weren’t so pampered. When you plant these pampered plants in the ground, you soon discover you’ve taken home a pack of water junkies.
You can avoid this problem by doing two things: First, never buy annuals already in bloom. Buy healthy but less advanced plants. Second, if someone gives you water junkies, remove all the flowers and about half of the foliage. Then plant. Within two weeks, your plants will be back in balance. Plus, they will bloom much longer and fuller than coddled greenhouse plants.
Tip: For relief from a insect bite, cut a clove of garlic and press the cut side against the sting for instant relief, according to the Garlic Seed Foundation.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N McConnell Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72704. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.
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