Mystery Fruit?

[Trav]

I use Sevin Dust.

[jdmidwest]

I have refrained from alot of pesticides this year. I have everything blooming but nothing putting on. Squash, tomatoes, cucumbers have lots of blooms but are not setting fruit. I have not noticed alot of bees running around the garden. I have tried not to do anything to kill any of whats left.

[Aaron J Scott]

I have refrained from alot of pesticides this year. I have everything blooming but nothing putting on. Squash, tomatoes, cucumbers have lots of blooms but are not setting fruit. I have not noticed alot of bees running around the garden. I have tried not to do anything to kill any of whats left.

I've only had problems with Japanese beetles on my basil and strawberry plants, but they seem to have disappeared recently--maybe with the heat? Nothing has touched my tomotoes, and the only thing I've done is plant marigolds in the container with them.

The one downside of growing tomatoes in containers is they suck up water faaaaast. I have to water them about twice a day any more.

BTW, does anyone have a good Japanese beetle pattern? I relish the idea of a big trout smashing into one of those stoooopid bugs.

[Quillback]

I like that ladybug idea, I did a quick search online and they aren't that expensive. I'll have my own army of ladybugs! I wonder if I can train them to go after the neighbors dog when it craps on my lawn..

[fly2fish]

This has already been one heck of a year for my garden here in NE Okla, My uncle and I planted 28 tomatoe and several cucumber and 5 different types of squash. So far have canned 17 qts of salsa, 6 qts of spagetti sauce, 9 qts of dill pickles and 8 qts of bread and butter pickles. Also have Jalepenos out the @$$ and egg plant, watermelon, canalope & okra. We installed a watering system with drippers to each plant and soaker hose to the okra in, but did not have to use it until last weekend. I have been picking over a half a bushel of tomatoes everyday or if I miss a day then it is over a bushel. This is from a garden less than 1/4 acre, I had to put in a 3 acre food plot to try and keep the deer out of it, has worked so far picked the green beans before they found them.

HC

[chub minnow]

For non-toxic insect control try diatomaceous earth. They sell it at Lowe's now and it works like a charm. The only drawback is that you have to reapply after heavy rains. This stuff is actually edible as I understand it, so it's worth it IMO to take the extra step.

[patfish]

Well, I think I have the mystery solved. Cross pollenation? I think I have a Cukemellon or a watercumber. I picked it last night and threw it in the fridge. I'll slice it up tonight, try it, and take some pics.

[bigredbirdfan]

I also use ladybugs. Haven't bought any for two years because the ones I last got are still around because I don't use insecticides. Also don't have any aphids. I am not the greenest person on the planet but this is a no brainer because I don't have to do anything.

In regards to japanense beetles, I use the bags that trap them and have had sucess. I have heard they will actually draw in more beetles than usual causing more damage. Anyone heard this?

Thanks

[Terry Beeson]

Beeson, where do you find Rice Vinegar?

You forgot a little oil and sugar and some peppers.

In the VINEGAR department?! DUH!!!

Seriously, I've found it at WalMart, Kroger/Dillons, and several other places. Karuman is the brand you want.

As for the oil, I don't need that. Just as good without. Sugar, OK, but the seasoned rice vinegar already has sugar. As for the peppers, yeah, that's an added bonus.

[ekl-stl]

hey fly2fish, could you share your speghetti sauce recipe..