Homesteaders

[islafarm]

When do squash bugs attack? if they go for flowers you could try spraying with a strong chili pepper spray or garlic. Aromatic leaves, stems, fruit are usually the plants defense against insects, so anything strong smelling should help - including citronella, mint or lavender type smells. Tobacco juice also works well. Ducks would be my preferred choice though

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

When do squash bugs attack? if they go for flowers you could try spraying with a strong chili pepper spray or garlic. Aromatic leaves, stems, fruit are usually the plants defense against insects, so anything strong smelling should help - including citronella, mint or lavender type smells. Tobacco juice also works well. Ducks would be my preferred choice though 

They are sneaky little buggers that hide under the leaves, you wouldn't know to look at the plant but there will be dozens of bugs under the leaves, chickens seemed to do nothing. They attacked my plants midsummer, when the fruit was beginning to form. I read they go after the stems, injecting something in the stem.

 

[KlopKlop]

That is an amazing book. There are a ton of new ones about square foot gardening, however this one is dummy proof. It tells all about companion planting and all kinds of other neat stuff.

I have this book and found it to be a good resource as well!

 

[islafarm]

This is the best info I've found on squash bugs.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74144.html
Seems that the best way to deal with them is through vigilance especially in the early mornings in spring.
Incidentally we have a very similar looking bug called the assassin bug because it bites and can carry a parasite which later causes heart disease.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Yes spring, just because the numbers are at their lowest. Once you get a full infestation, it seems impossible to get rid of them. I will try that oil, soap mixture though, thought I would add DE to the base of the plant too.

 

[KlopKlop]

As long as we are discussing good books, look at books by Eliot Coleman. I bought his books about greenhouses and winter growing, ' four season harvest' and 'the winter harvest'. I have perished some of his other books from the library and they are really good.
Also good are books by mike Oehler on earth shelter construction. I bought his book on earth shelter greenhouses.

I have been working out a design to combine is earth shelter ideas with a geodesic dome for a year round greenhouse in Minnesota. It will involve passive geothermal heat and perhaps active heat of needed. My current stumbling block is what to cover the greenhouse in that will last but isn't cost prohibitive. If anyone knows where I could get a large number of sliding glass doors for cheep or free let me know that would be the best possible solution (not for geodesic designs but for an earth sheltered greenhouse per Oehlers designs)

 

[Raech]

We have a store her called Habitat for Humanity, its like Goodwill for building supplies and appliances. Might see if you have a store like that or craigslist. My family in SD like the curb "sales" its all free and generally in the summer, you can find lots of random stuff.

 

[Loc20chick]

We have a store her called Habitat for Humanity, its like Goodwill for building supplies and appliances. Might see if you have a store like that or craigslist. My family in SD like the curb "sales" its all free and generally in the summer, you can find lots of random stuff.

I love this store, has some good deals. Ours carry household furnishings too and utensils and good thing is one can even negotiate their already low price LOL!!

 

[KlopKlop]

We have a store her called Habitat for Humanity, its like Goodwill for building supplies and appliances. Might see if you have a store like that or craigslist. My family in SD like the curb "sales" its all free and generally in the summer, you can find lots of random stuff.

Yes, the ReStore. We had one and it closed several years ago. A great place though!

 

[Loc20chick]

Went to a local seed store today so see if they carry the winter onions mentioned here. Got some at a bargain of $2 all bulbs were 50%off got some with the quarters collection in my car.
It's been pretty warm around here lately so I planted some of the onions in a raised bed, will see how they turn out in spring.