Re: SQUASH BUGS
Tom,
Prematurity is a problem. I think it definitely stems from heat
stress on the plant, more specifically the roots. When the ground gets to hot
the roots slow down or stop supplying the the plant with the necessary water
to the plant. In your rodale book of composting read from page 47 to page 52.
pay particlar attention to the relationship of ground temperature and how it
effects the roots uptake of water. We know that when the leaves wilt it is
under stress and is not operating efficiently but we have yet to answer the
question why and how to resolve the problem. Josh who raised the 815 believes
the key is the roots and I believe him. If you keep the ground temp below
say 90 or 95 by using cool water the roots/plant will operate more
efficiently and solve the stress/premature ripening problem. The obvious
problem then becomes making the ground to wet and causing root rot RIGHT?
Well the reason Josh didn't have this problem was because his soil was almost
pure compost which allowed the dirt to be moist but still loose and aerated.
This is our new theory. What do you think. I believe it so much I've added 12
cu. yds of compost for two plants.
anxiously awaiting your response P.S. use pounce for vine borers. It works.
Brad
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