Posted on 07/28/2017 8:47:10 PM PDT by greeneyes
[There is a parasitic wasp that lays eggs on the tomato hornworm
the hornworm feeds the wasp larva and continues with another successive generation which will feed off the hornworm.
Consider those little white larva feeding on the hornworm as future insect control for this fall and into next year. ]
Yeah, somebody looked it up and told me that yesterday. Wondered if they got it right; sounds like they did and you just confirmed it. All those details. It must not have been dead too long - seemed almost fresh - but there are about 25-30 larvae feeding on it. Thanks.
I think that I shrieked when I first saw one of those hideous creatures.
First I thought it was mom and her babies. Then I saw no movement. I gently touched up by the front legs and it was soft and seemed fresh. Wasn’t sure if it was dead or in labor / hibernation. So I didn’t want to bother it until checking.
Now I understand what is happening. Heard same info late yesterday.
This pic was taken a few minutes ago...
You’re brave. :)
Well, if it had been the size of a city bus.....
Or the size of the Hindenburg.....
The one that I saw was almost that big. :)
Just went out and watered.
The corn-worm must have at least 40 larvae on it. Leaf is tilting down now from the weight (or the plants needed water like they do twice a day).
A couple of copper-colored bugs with two white dots on the back-end on my Sweet Basil plants. Have had 2 harvests - now hoping for a 3rd and maybe a 4th or 5th by mid-November (should be able to grow until then).
I guess I need to harvest the WM Rosemary. There are at least 5-6-7 plants going - still green and healthy but I guess you want them to dry out. Maybe I need to cut them off and set them aside? I should look it up.
I think the first squash planting (like everything else - too close) is over. 2 good-sized ones and a couple small that have already been eaten - the 2 good-sized maybe next week. Another small set trying to grow but it will be a couple months before and squash to harvest.
My other tomato plant is up to 4 now - lotsa plants growing strong - these are either Beefmaster Hybrid or Beefsteak - they will be the largest of the lot. Hope the others bloom. Still at least 33 tomatoes going out there. Lotsa small peppers - including (I hope) Serrano and maybe Jalapeno. Well, good to cut up on pizza before tossing into the oven.
Maybe the Sweet Snacking Peppers will grow - all from seeds over there. The Sweet Marconi Peppers (WM or some such) yielded two big ones already - and there are 7 more growing right now. Probably will get only one more harvest of those.
My small garden bed is getting hit hard with weeds to gotta get in there. Lotsa small plants so may have to replant some. Tons of stuff down there - around 150 or more Bell Pepper plants - maybe even some strawberries and tomatoes - well, so much for smart planning. ;)
They must have been the ones that hit my radish plants. The leaves were decimated the last 10 days or so. Finally pulled them all - even very small ones.
Well I had about 20 minutes to sit. Just pulled out the last batch of jars of preserves, stuffed jalapenos will be done in 8 minutes, green bean casserole going in the oven next. Oy! A big kitchen day.
Excellent work!
Carbondale! I went to SIU in the early 70’s for 2 years. Was a big party school then, many hippies. Beautiful countryside though.
As if tomato hornworms weren’t disgusting looking enough......
Still learning. More plants less yield per plant.
But, still learning. Some success with some new stuff.
It’s not much of a food supply but could save on tracking down peppers. They were pretty tough last year (not so close together).
BUT I now get almost all of the seeds from peppers eaten. I know I have at least 1,000-2,000 seeds ready to go. Even have a couple store-bought packages (20 cents at WM for one). Hope to jump on some more of those next year. The radish seeds were very strong. Last plantings too deep I think but some are coming up - slowly.
Humboldt Bay?! We looked around between Eureka and Crescent City when looking to relocate. Beautiful area, fabulous year-round temperatures, and you can’t beat those redwoods!
I’ve about had it. Things are loading too slow so I’m done here for now.
That’s a stock photo I grabbed from the internet.
BUT there are even MORE on mine, I think.
Yeah, gonna have some pest-eaters it looks like.
So far, I’ve been lucky to dodge the 1 or 2 bees out there. They don’t like it when I water. Hey guys, I’m making sure you have a place to eat, LOL.
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