Squash – Preventing Vines

Q: On a recent radio show you talked about placing cheesecloth over squash plants until flowers appear to keep squash vine borers at bay. Where can I buy cheesecloth big enough to cover the plants?

A: I was wrong to recommend cheesecloth. It is not wide enough to make an effective cover. Instead, ask for floating row cover or frost cloth at your local nursery. This lightweight polyester material can be draped over squash plants until blooms appear.