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Va

I grew my first pumpkin vine this past year. All was well until I noticed some issues with the vine. It was definitely the result of vine borers. I was still able to get three pumpkins (very early in the season--so early they have already been cut since I am in the SE,) but them squash bugs took over and I ended up with mosaic virus so I was unable to get any more viable female flowers. I removed the complete vine today. I have a good book called The Perfect Pumpkin, but I am having a hard time finding realistic information on how to keep from getting vine borers and squash bugs. (I tried the petunia idea they recommended. It did NOT work.) How do I keep those particular pests from attacking my vines. Also, with the mosaic virus, when will it be ok for me to plant more plants in that area? I have daffodil bulbs there now already. Will those end up with mosaic virus too?
Thanks!

8/21/2009 3:17:09 PM

Winston Salem NC

Tiffy you would get more information from various growers if this were posted in the new growers section or the pest section. However there are a number of insecticides that will help with the squash vine borer and squash bug issues. Cuke beetles can also pass virus' to plants when they snack on the leaves. This site has a wealth of information on it any alot of growers that are willing to help. If you like reading you could spend weeks on here looking through various posts. Don Langevin also has some books on growing giant pumpkins. How to Grow Giant Pumpkins I, II, and III are very helpful and IV is to be released soon. Welcome to the addiction.
Rick

8/21/2009 5:53:10 PM