Re: [gardeners] hot & dry
Margaret Lauterbach (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Mon, 01 Jun 1998 07:13:32 -0600
>I've got lots of Butternut, Cushaw, and Green Tint squash plus Cucuzzi
>edible gourds. Today I fought the dreaded squash borers, look like big
>maggots and kill the plants quick. Hopeful the injections of Bt-kuraki and
>the Bt powder will take care of the little buggers. Tomorrow I have to put
>the Safers Soap to the tomatoes again, about got the aphids whipped.
>
>> How are conditions for the rest of you gardeners? 1996 was almost rain
>>free. 1997 was very wet early. 1998 started normal and has gone droughty
>>after April.
>> Good Gardening
>> Allen
>> Bastrop Co.,Tx.
>> Zone 8
>>
>Welcome to our community.
>
>George
>George M. Shirley, USDA Zone 9b, Southwest Louisiana
>Gardener, Cook, Putter-By, SF fan.
>
I've been wondering if any of you people in warm winter country don't
consider growing chayote squash (aka mirlitons, or vegetable pears). The
vine is perennial, requiring only frequent pruning. A vine can produce
over 100 fruits, too. I've even discovered how to tell a chayote is about
to sprout.
The bottom, or wide end, has a pseudo split in it. This split is normally
rather crooked and tight, like Ernie's mouth on Sesame Street, or even an
abashed Kermit. When the squash is about to sprout, the "mouth" begins to
open, followed by some developments that look somewhat embarrassingly
anatomical, then the sprout. Ask your produce person at the grocery to
save any like that for you. Best, Margaret