Hi fellow green thumbers,

So I have a couple questions about Acorn squash. I've been able through much effort to fight off the SVBs, and have saved my plants, and they have gotten big, and have a few nice fruit on them.

1. One problem I am having now is with aphids. My plants are long, about 6-8ft long average (was supposed to be semi-compact variety!!) The newer leaves on the plants are deep green, big and very healthy. But most of my early leaves have gone yellow, and some have wilted, and been attacked mercilessly by aphids. So I've wondered if the aphids have caused their demise, or the old leaves are weak, and this are an easier prey for the aphids? I have started cutting off some of these sick leaves, because I have tried spraying neem, and the leaves have to gotten worse, and it doesnt seem to have helped kill the aphids.

Question is, should I be concerned about the aphids? Do they normally attack the older leaves? What do you guys suggest?

2. The other question is about the fruit. Now the biggest one is a good size now, and starting to turn dark green. But I have noticed that female flowers down the vine from it have withered (I have hand pollinated them just in case) Is it because the plant doesn't think it can support more than 1 fruit? My question is, would it help if I picked the squash once its dark green and tough skinned? Would that encourage more fruit? We have about a good 2 or 3 months left of growing season here, and I dont know if it makes sense to leave it on the vine that long, if its done growing? I just want to make sure I get more that just 1 squash per plant. Any suggestions?