Q.Paint For Stems
My father use to mix up some powder with water and paint it onto zucchini and summer squash stems to prevent vine boarers. Do you know what this would be and if it is still sold? Thank you.

GKH_Susan
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on June 28, 2025
I suspect it was diatomaceous earth, which is still sold. One of the ways to prevent vine borers is to sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the lower part of the stems. He may have mixed it with water and painted it on. The second article tells how to mix it.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/squash-vine-borer-vegetables/
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