Joe, I think it was luck with the squash vine borers because the SVB moths fly around and lay eggs on any squash plants they find. It's likely they just didn't see those plants in the tubs. Even if you have an occasional SVB on a plant it a tub, the SVBs might have a hard time surviving if they try to overwinter in the tub's soil because it would get colder than soil in the ground during the winter months.

With squash bugs, there might be a connection. Squash bugs like to overwinter in plant debris or mulch or under leaves or boards or in brush piles and that helps them establish a presence in our gardens. With your plants in containers, they might be too exposed to cold winter temperatures in the mulch if they attempt to overwinter there, so they'd have a hard time establishing a permanent presence.

I'd say you have nothing to lose by trying, and maybe y'all are on to something....maybe you won't have any SVBs or squash bugs this year and that would give us all something to think about. Having said all the above, some types of squash are much less vulnerable to pests and it could be that your friend had planted those kinds.

Dawn

We grew zucchini in a large plastic pot last year and had very good luck. The pot was about 18 inches across the top and we had three plants in it. Our neighbor didn't get even one squash on his plants because of bugs but we had squash until we pulled the plants up in Oct. We only got three or four squash each week but that was plenty for the two of us. This year we bought some 38 gal. plastic storage containers and are trying other types of squash. That was our first year so I can't promise it will work as well every year, but as Dawn says, it can't hurt to try.

Sorry. I missed typed. We bought 18 gal. containers.

I planted squash in an old cattle feeder (1/2 of a hot water tank, cut in 1/2 longwise - with legs about 2' high) - I had the same plants all season from early Spring until frost in the Fall - with NO squash bugs. My squash in the garden regularly had to be replaced because of the bugs. It worked for me - I'm planting in raised containers again this year - hope it works again.

I will be interested to read everyone's results this year. I've seen gardens 15 miles from the nearest garden and the very first year squash bugs will show up. Hopefully you are all onto something. Last year when I sprayed with Garlic Barrier was maybe the first time I've never had squash bugs. Jay

I heard more people say that they had no squash bugs or fewer squash bugs last year than previous years. I think I only saw two all year, but all of mine were in containers as well.

However, I had aphids last year which I hadn't had before, and I have already seen lady bugs moving around the plants, so this will probably be another aphid year. eek

Holy smokes, I do hope you container-planting folks are on to something. I try to stay away from container plants as I don't water other than rain but I might be swayed if this helps deter the squash bugs. I never have too much trouble with borers but the regular squash bugs kill me every year. We plant several dozen summer squash plants each year and never get enough harvest. Those jokes about leaving zukes in people's cars? I wish! LOL

Jay, I'm going to google that garlic barrier you mentioned. I think I've heard of it. I don't have money to spend on it but maybe I could homebrew something that would work.

Diane

Diane, Have you tried Zucchetta Rampicante. I like the taste better and the bugs don't.