HOW’S YOUR GARDEN BY L OIS T R IG G C H A P L I N
Keeping Oakleaf Pretty
Oh, Oh. Squash Bugs
As oakleaf hydrangeas age, they benefit from a little pruning to encourage new shoots. The time to do this is after they bloom, which is now! This improves their vigor, overall shape and bloom. First, cut away any dead wood if you haven’t already, then cut about one quarter of the oldest stems. You will recognize the oldest stems by their larger girth. It may take a small saw to cut though the oldest at or near ground level. This will encourage new shoots to form from the ground to make new trunks. The plants bloom on old wood, so this year’s growth will form next year’s blossoms.
Inspect squash plants for squash bugs because they cause damage quickly, especially on a young plant. At first, they are hidden from sight because they hatch on the underside of the leaves. There the tiny pests pierce the leaf with their mouth to suck sap; as they increase, leaves and stems wilt and collapse from feeding damage. The more bugs, the more damage, so it is imperative to get them early before they can multiply. Infestations begin from clusters of tiny, football-shaped, bronze eggs on the underside of leaves. These hatch into green and dark red nymphs that turn light gray and then brown as they age. They feed in groups on the leaves and vines, and then move to the fruit. Squash and pumpkins are favorites, but they may eat watermelon, cucumbers and gourds, too. They tend to start out in one part of the plant and spread quickly. If only a few plants are
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Young Squash Bugs
SIMPLE TIMES
THE CO-OP PANTRY
June 2021
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