Sunday, May 22, 2011

Ladybug larva having an aphid snack...


All this dry weather, I have a bit of an aphid infestation. I'm away from my garden for a few days, and a friend is looking after it. She tells me that the #$%*(#$^* pickleworm has arrived, but so far the invasion is pretty limited. Dozens of tomatoes every day, peppers, loads of cucumbers... The traditional squash season is over. I might plant some Tromboncino squash when I get back.
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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm planting calabaza tomorrow, for some squash through the tropical summer weather.

What's the flavor like on the Tromboncino?

Carolyn said...

Hi There. I'm over on the West Coast (St. Pete, to be exact), and I've been checking out your fantastic blog for gardening ideas and inspiration. Just wanted to say thanks, and awesome shot of the aphid lion there.

Michael said...

nice flavor and texture with the trombone squash--slight nuttiness, good crunch in raw form. (it's actually an edible gourd, as evidenced by its white flowers.) generally all squash taste more or less the same to me. all of them are canvases of flavors, but not very flavorful themselves. in our house we shred them, wring them very dry, then fry them with lots of olive oil, garlic and herbs. eat that as is, or mix it into an omelet, frittata, or pasta. really tasty!

FNFCG Admin said...

I am so jealous! My Fuji apple is infested, a ladybug laid 2 clutches of eggs, they hatched - and not a wee little crocodilly in sight!

Unknown said...

Have you seen Bug Wars? A documentary nature show that features bugs fighting. But they overlay the godzilla like roars over the bugs. I can just hear the tiny aphid screams!

Flowering Pear said...

I am totally agree with you FNFCG Admin i have share Flowering Pear check out it..
Thanks for sharing with us..

debbie said...

This is my first year for home gardening and it's been very exciting. However, my squash and cucumbers have fallen victim to pickleworms!! I wanted to ask if you were successful with bagging your plants to resolve the problem? Do you bag the entire plant or just the blossoms/fruits?
Thanks so much!
Debbie

Mother Spider said...

Have you tried tomato leaf tea? Soak tomato leaves in water over night, drain out leaves, use as spray on garden. It is good for most soft bodied bugs like afids.

Diatrimatious Earth, made of powdered sea creature skeletons, found in the pool section. Lightly puff on vegetable garden for most exoskeleton bugs, like ants, fire-ants, and crickets. Gets in their joints and dehydrates them to death. Must reapply after rain. Completely harmless for humans and pets to touch, although avoid inhaling the dust. I did notice the application on the plants needs to be a dust, if you apply to heavily, it seemed to dehydrate the plants.

Great Blog. Thanks.
WaterBeads4Plants.com