Squash Garden Problems

Back in late May I transplanted six squash plants from my greenhouse to mom’s yard (with permission of course). Squash seeds are considered a delicacy with us chipmunks. Fights have broken out at the Woodpile farmers market when the supply was low. After a few too many black eyes, I decided I needed to grow my own.

For the first few weeks they barely grew any new leaves. I thought I was doomed. Well, the other day I heard a loud rapping on my burrow door. Mom was standing outside and didn’t look like a happy camper. She “invited” me to check out my squash patch. It had grown just a tiny little bit. Okay, it had completely taken over it its 20 x 20 foot fenced in coral I had built to contain it. Now, it was creeping over and through the fence and threatened to take over the neighborhood including the Woodpile. Not to mention, I also had a half dozen sunflowers growing and three tomato plants (I didn’t plant them. Mom calls them “volunteers”.) Oops. Here comes the Mayor of Woodpile wanting some answers too. As I explained to Mom, the plants were not doing well so I set up an irrigation system – a slow drip line from a keg of Guinness. I didn’t think it would actually work.

Mom and the Mayor talked it over for a few minutes. They decided on a solution. Suffice to say the Woodpile threw the largest keg party in its history. I thought this was going to be the worst day of my life.

This is what happens when you “water” six squash plants with Guinness beer.

Squash plant “escapes” the garden and threatens the Woodpile

Squash plant has even invaded my sunflower patch. You can see the squash blossoms lower down.

Vinnie took this photo of me with this horrified look as the Woodpile got drunk on MY precious keg of Guinness.

 

Then a brilliant and devious plan dawned on me.

The Mayor of the Woodpile had confiscated my drip hoses. So, I had to find a watering can to use. I turned around and there it was … the empty Guinness bottle. Perfect.

My critics at the Woodpile thought this was rather ironic, me having to use an empty Guinness bottle to give my plants boring old water.

I hope my loyal fans can keep a secret. After the first couple of rounds at the keg party, I siphoned off the rest of the keg into my rain barrel. I replaced it with some cheap beer. Looks like I will be having the last laugh.

Well time to “water” my garden.

UPDATE

My garden has been doing so well it has attracted unwanted attention from undesirable wildlife.

 I had to hire a security guard and setup a watch tower.

However, all pollinators are welcome in my garden like hummingbirds

 

and hummingbird moths