There's a lot wrong with this picture! Winter squash typically doesn't harvest for about another 3-4 weeks. This weekend we were forced to clear out all of the winter squash due to an aggressive infestation of squash bugs. Squash Bugs eat the vines on any plants in the squash family (ie pumpkins, zucchini, winter squash, etc). By eating the vines, they cut off nutrients to the far branches of the plant, thereby killing the whole plant. They are also fond of eating the squash itself. Early season spraying with natural oils can sometimes prevent the squash bugs from laying their eggs but all the rain has really promoted an environment perfect for the squash bugs to thrive. But, there is some good news here...the good news is, we were able to save most of the winter squash that was already ripened. We still have a couple bushels we will table in the sun t ripen. But most important, our winter squash won't be devoured by the pesky squash bug!!
