My pumpkin is doing well. I have a worry about my roses.

[Ptah]

I've been cutting the invaded buds, maybe aphids?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Aphids. Find some lady bugs.

[spooky3]

2. When I used lady bugs, they flew away. Another alternative is

spraying rose bushes with Neem Oil.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. The aphids must have been substandard

and not to the lady bugs' liking.

[spooky3]

5. They didn't even give them a chance! I suspect some gardeners use netting to confine them until

they discover the tasty aphids.

This source says you need to use 3000 ladybugs PER rose bush and to take other steps (some of which seem a little cruel) to prevent flying away:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/home-and-garden/sdut-how-to-make-aphid-eating-ladybugs-feel-welcome-2011jul22-story.html

[Ptah]

6. I'll shop here in Tucson for lady bugs.

I'm thinking I will try Diatomaceous earth

[BigmanPigman]

3. I have read that if you want one really big

pumpkin you leave only one or two on the vine and cut the rest off. I don't know if this is true or not but it was written in different resources.

[Ptah]

7. That makes sense.

I'm hoping for one or two biggens.

[BigmanPigman]

9. Well, you HAVE TO read this!

I loved this series of books as a kid and teacher and always wanted to try this myself...

https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/2014/09/30/little-house-science-farmer-boys-milk-fed-pumpkin/

[marble falls]

8. Gitcha some lady bugs.