Zoning Out - Zones Explained

Monday the gardens needed lots of weeding and bug patrol. Some of Garrett's squash plants were wilted. We dissected a plant to find out if it was bacterial wilt from those pesky cucumber beetles or squash vine borer eating through the plant stem. We saw some bug "frass" or poop that looked like sawdust on the outer stem but inside the plant stem near the base of the plant we found the culprit. A squash vine borer - a small white smooth caterpillar - had been burrowing through the stem. He was summarily squished.

We also saw and squished lots of squash bug eggs. Some of these eggs were hatching. Baby squash bugs are pale blue with black legs. We found a new invader, the Mexican bean beetle. It resembles a lady beetle (good bug) in appearance but the Mexican bean beetle (bad bug) eats holes in the bean leaves.

Miss Cass and the young gardeners started a new science experiment. One plant in each garden had reflective cloth put under the plant. We will check to see if this material deflects bugs and increases light, allowing the plant to grow better and faster.

In the classroom, Miss Cass taught everyone about Plant Zones. The plant hardiness zone in our area and other areas in the country were discussed. Each gardener then designed there own "dream garden". They looked through garden catalogs and picked their favorite fruit and vegetable plants. The cost of planting their dream gardens was calculated. Our gardeners have refined and expensive taste!

The Master Gardeners prepared a great project for the gardeners. Miss Linda donated birdhouse gourds, which were cleaned, drilled and based painted by Miss Ty and Miss Chris. The youngsters started painting their birdhouses Monday. Check these out!