Vine Borer

Hi all,

I'm following the Ruth Stout method of gardening for the first time this year. In past years I've had issues with Vine Borer's. Ruth mentions putting wood ash around the vine plants to help prevent the borer from laying their eggs. Has anyone tried this? If so how often do you apply the ash? Seems when watering it would just disappear. Do you just lightly dust the plants? I guess I'm looking for more details then Ruth gives in her books.

Hi, Patricia. Last year I put aluminum foil collars on all my vines, and was successful. But a lot of trouble, 'cause you have to make sure they don't interfere with stem growth.
This is a great article: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/squash-vine-borers
I'm going to try the "yellow-container" approach. Good luck in all your endeavors!

Thank you....I'm trying some wood ash around the base of plants. I read the articile you sent...I may try the yellow bucket with water too.