GRR! Worms and caterpillars eated my veggies!!!

[cymbeline]

Ooooooh, I am so mad! I went outside a couple of days ago to harvest my daily squash yield, and one of my zucchini plants was completely wilted. I didn't know what it was -- the vine appeared to have rotted in one spot -- I thought maybe I overwatered.

My aunt suggested squash borer, a kind of caterpillar, so I went out to investigate yesterday, and sure enough... looks like my other squash are all being attacked ARGGGGGHHHHH!!!

Already our broccoli crop was destroyed by cabbage worm, and our bell peppers and eggplants have been severely burdened with all manner of worms, aphids and spiders. This is not to mention my puny tomatoes and corn that is just plain falling over. I treated for the worms with some Bt today, and used garlic spray for the aphids. Is it too late?

I feel like a farming failure!!! It is already hotter than heck here in central Texas. What should I do? I'm considering tearing half the garden up, tilling, treating the soil, replanting... probably too drastic, right?

So frustrating

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Next year use floating row covers to keep the bugs off your plants before you have a problem.

[mindymom]

Originally Posted by cymbeline

What should I do? I'm considering tearing half the garden up, tilling, treating the soil, replanting... probably too drastic, right?

So frustrating

I'm sorry. It's funny how when you plant something you never imagine how it might end up all shriveled and buggy, but it does happen. (Dang sap beetles!)

It sounds like it might be too hot to plant much right now where you are. I would just try to hand-pick the pests you can find and see if your plants will bounce back. It happens once in a while. Is your aunt a gardener? Maybe she could suggest something to fill in the gaps.