By following these instructions, you can effectively protect your squash plants from the squash vine borer moth and its caterpillar, ensuring a healthy and bountiful harvest. Trombocino squash is an Italian heirloom that provides it own natural protection against this pest because of it very hard lower stem.

Summary:

Here are detailed instructions for protecting a squash seedling from the squash vine borer moth and caterpillar using the plastic cup method. A small plastic flower pot or plastic cup is placed around the root ball of a seedling before it is planted in the ground.

The bottom of the pot or cup must be removed with scissors. The side must be slit also so the pot or cup can be wrapped around the root. The cup is partially under the soil and partially above the soil. Bug netting can also protect the plant from the moth laying its eggs on or near the plant. The cup protects the lower stem from the caterpillar boring inside the stem.

Materials needed:

• Small plastic flower pot or plastic cup

• Scissors

• Bug netting (optional)

• Squash seedlings

• Gardening trowel

• Soil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the plastic cup or small flower pot:

   • Remove the Bottom: Use scissors to cut out the bottom of the plastic cup or flower pot. This creates an open cylinder that will allow the plant’s roots to grow into the soil.

   • Slit the Side: Make a vertical cut from the top to the bottom of the cup. This slit will enable you to wrap the cup around the root ball of the seedling.

2. Prepare the seedling:
   Carefully remove the squash seedling from its nursery container, ensuring you keep the root ball intact.

3. Place the cup around the root ball:
   Gently wrap the prepared plastic cup around the root ball of the seedling. The slit should allow you to easily encircle the root without damaging it.

4. Plant the seedling:

   • Dig a hole in your garden bed that is deep enough to accommodate the root ball and the plastic cup.

   • Place the seedling, with the plastic cup around its root ball, into the hole. Ensure that the cup is partially buried under the soil and partially above the soil. The buried part will protect the roots and lower stem, while the exposed part will prevent the squash vine borer moth from laying eggs near the base of the plant.

5. Secure the cup:

   • Firmly press the soil around the base of the plastic cup to keep it in place. Ensure that the cup stands upright and does not tip over.

   • The cup should protrude about 2-3 inches above the soil surface. This barrier will help protect the lower stem from the caterpillars boring inside.

6. Optional: apply bug netting:

   • To provide additional protection, you can cover the entire plant with bug netting. This will prevent the moth from reaching the plant to lay eggs.

   • Secure the netting tightly around the base of the plant, ensuring there are no gaps where the moth can enter.

   • Check regularly to ensure the netting is still secure and the plant has enough space to grow.

7. Regular monitoring:

   • Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of squash vine borer activity or damage. Look for small holes at the base of the stem, frass (sawdust-like debris), and wilting leaves.

   • If you notice any signs of infestation, take immediate action to remove the caterpillars manually and treat the plant with appropriate organic pesticides if necessary.

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