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Gardening Tip of the Day
Radishes planted near squash repels the squash vine borer which destroys many summer and winter squash plants every year.
Floating row covers can protect squash plants during early growth but must be removed for insect pollination once flowers are produced.
A test conducted by the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, found that planting radishes protected squash plants 75 percent as well as commercial insecticides.
Any radish variety will deter the squash bugs, but gardeners find that white icicle radishes yield the most success.
A minimum of 3 to 4 radish seeds should be planted a week to 10 days before squash seeds are planted. Plant new radish seeds every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the summer. Leave the radish plants go to seed for best results.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2022
