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Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 1:11
| I was recently checking the fruits on my squash to make sure they're growing ok, and I found this on the fruit. I've noticed it in another one and I don't want damaged squashes. What is this and how can it be stopped? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by Donna.in.Sask 2b (My Page) on Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 1:41
| Looks like a critter wanted a taste. I have seen people encase their tomatoes in bags made of a tulle-like material...not sure if that would work for your squash since it gets a lot bigger. |
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- Posted by AustinGarden 6B (My Page) on Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 1:50
| I'm not sure a critter would've gotten a taste, it's in between the main house and a garage and is totally fenced in. Unless it was an insect or cat I don't see how an animal got in there to bite it. Although this is also my first time growing it too. The attached picture is the main vine. It's huge. It sucks down a ton of water and the fruits double in size every 4 days it seems. It's fun to see it try and grow up the side and then watch it fall because it doesn't have anything to grab onto. I don't plan on eating them, but use them for a crafting project. I hope they grow to full size before frost. |
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- Posted by naturegirl_2007 5B SW Michigan (My Page) on Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 8:50
| Bites could be from voles or mice. Most fencing does not keep them out. Chipmunks and ground squirrels (gophers) are other possibilities since they can burrow and climb. Many insects and slugs cause damage, also, and can get in almost anywhere. However, the damage shown doesn't look like it came from a slug or insect. In my garden, damage like you show is usually only on a few fruits and there are plenty of undamaged ones left so I don't try too hard to get rid of the culprit (s). Some gardeners have reported more damage during very dry weather and have found providing water for wildlife away from the garden keeps critters from nibbling on their produce for moisture. |
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