Question
QUESTION: Hi Mike,
I have a question about garlic and how it would affect bees if i were to plant garlic around my squash plants would the bees still come around and pollinate the squash?  if not is there any other plant that i could put near the squash to deter the squash vine borer and other pests from destroying my plants?  i started seeds and they are growing very well and i want to keep them that way.  I have not put them outside yet. so i thought i would ask now to know if i would have to hand pollinate my squash this year. thank you for your response.

ANSWER: Although garlic is a great deterrent for many pests, including aphids and whiteflies, it has absolutely no affect on bees. I plant garlic in each of my gardens, including where I plant squash, and I have no problem attracting bees. I do plant zinnia and marigold as an additional attraction, but bees seem oblivious to onions and garlic.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike

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QUESTION: thank you mike for your response that was very helpful.  I do have another question tho it is about tomatoes this time.  do you have any suggestions on how to stop squirrels or other rodents from eating your tomatoes.  last year was the first year that i noticed a challenge with our tomatoes that some were missing although they didn't produce all that many tomatoes some got taken.  the weird thing is tho that late in the season tomatoes were growing and ripening and they weren't being bothered any advice that you have i would appreciate it.  i love tomatoes so i want to protect them as much as i can.  again thank you for your first response.

ANSWER: Chris, you basically have two options with squirrels. Either trap them or use a deterrent to keep them away from the plants.

Cayenne pepper normally works, but other proven deterrents include fox urine and garlic sprays. They are very effective controls, but need to be reapplied after a rain. For this reason, I do not find them very practical in a large garden.

The best barrier, other than a wire mesh covering, is reemay. You can buy reemay, otherwise known as row covers, at any reputable garden center. It is a light, fleece-like material that lets in the rain, light, and fertilizer, but keeps out insects and pests. The biggest downside to reemay is your flowers will be covered. Not really practical since pollination is needed for fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes. But one or two weeks of using it may persuade the squirrels to look elsewhere.

Trapping is the most foolproof preventive measure. Commercial traps such as Havahart are very effective. I use apples and peanut butter as bait. Just be sure to relocate the animal to a location at least one mile from your home.

I hope this helps.  Good luck, and have a good weekend.

Regards,

Mike


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QUESTION: Hi Mike
Thank you for all your insight and help.  i have another question for you tho.  I am trying to grow burpee short n'sweet carrots in a container.  when the seeds germinated they came up and were about 3 inches tall now they are about 6 inches tall.without the true leaves being on the seedling yet.  did they get to tall to fast or is this the normal way carrots are suppose to grow.  And if they did grow to fast do you have any suggestions on how to keep it from happening again?  this is the first year growing carrots so i am not sure if it will still grow correctly?  should i just start over.  i don't know if they are too tall or not.  and if they will have enough support to be able to grow.  i am not going to do anything either way until i hear back from you.thankyou for your help.

chris

Answer
Chris, this is completely normal. You have to be very patient with carrots, as they are slow growers. Once they start developing leaves in another few weeks., they will start to form the roots. Do not harvest until you can see the crowns (tops) of the carrots at the base of the soil. This normally takes 60-80 days, depending on the variety. Some new varieties, which I believe includes the one you are growing, will root even quicker.

Also, avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they tend to produce lush foliage and very small roots.

Have a great weekend.

Mike