Worms eating squash
I have some really big volunteer squash of some sort. Still waiting to see. The problem I am having is that little worms are eating into the squash while they lay on the ground and are ruining them. Should I have put a thick layer of hay under them? My property is not sloped like yours, it is flat but water does not stand around after a rain. What do you suppose is the problem?
Sheryl
Newport News, Virginia
Pests like this are often occasional, depending on the weather. It does help to put a thick layer of mulch such as weed-free hay or straw around the plants and between the rows before they start to run. This helps to keep them from contact with the soil where some of these critters live. You can save your squash by lifting each one gently and putting a piece of cardboard under them to prevent soil contact. Further protection can be gained by sprinkling pyrethrin powder on the cardboard. This will kill any determined worms/insects and it will not be absorbed by the squash or harm you. — Jackie
Raising meat and laying poultry together
Can you raise meat chickens with layers? I would like to raise some meat chickens next year, but I didn’t know if their feed requirements were so different from layers that they shouldn’t eat each others feed. I only have one coop, but could set up two feeders. The only problem would be both types of chickens would have access to both feeders!
Connie Moore
Clearlake, Washington
Yes, you can. We’ve done it many times. Your chickens will all be just fine eating the layer chickens’ feed as it is high protein. — Jackie
