RUN! THEY'VE ESCAPED! The squash have fled their bonds and are taking over the backyard. @zoohome, I think this might be what your volunteer vines were and if so they would have taken over your entire garden. I have a dedicated spot where they were planted so they wouldn't be in the tomato garden. Good thing I did. They have been setting on some fruit.
The early absence of the normal insect population has changed and while there aren't lots of bees, there have been some and some butterflies. I tried helping with the pollination thing early on when I suffered the same frustration zoohome did, watching the little things I thought would grow into nice butternut squash wither and die on the vine. My success rate was only maybe 50% and the vines were getting so out of control, I gave up. They seem to be doing OK on their own now.
The last 2 pics show the escapees in action. They are at the top of the 6' fence and have boiled out of the containment area marked by that post and glass door. (upcycled patio door) The first 2 are some of the squash that have set and the middle pic is one that is still in question. You can see remnants of the bloom hanging from the end of it. If not adequately pollinated, it will shrivel up in a few days and drop off. Hope this doesn't make you sad for pulling up your vines, ZH.
Vines tend to do this. I have a Wisteria vine and it is a constant battle to contain it. Funny about the butterflies. I belong to a travel group and had a couple of visitors and we were looking at my Lavender. One of the couple pointed out the different varieties of bees and a butterfly that were going around sipping the nectar. I had not noticed this before and found it extremely interesting and will look for it in the future.
Posted by FrostyJim...I have enough room for a few good people.
Posted by glennlabMy heavenly Blue Morning Glories have finally gotten their color.
Posted by glennlabMy heavenly Blue Morning Glories have finally gotten their color.
Posted by FernappleIts that season again, blue sky and golden leaves, nature is the greatest designer, a Ginkgo in my garden. Also posted in photography.
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimI needed to preserve my bell peppers so I made Indian chutney last night.
Posted by FrostyJimI needed to preserve my bell peppers so I made Indian chutney last night.
Posted by FrostyJimMoose family munchin' on my Raspberries right now at about 8:30 on Tuesday night!
Posted by FrostyJim3 giants total over 3 lbs! Bush Early Girl hybrid grown in my Wasilla Alaska zone 4b greenhouse...
Posted by FrostyJim.