Question
Hi, my question to you is about why my zucchini and yellow squash are rotting on the vine before they reach eatable size. They are wilting as soon as they reach about 3 to 4 inches long, What do I need to do?               Tom

Answer
Hi there,

First of all let me thank you for using this service. My answer is totally free to you and is only to the best of my ability and my experience, as you have likely read about. Here goes:


Not knowing where you live leaves a bit of doubt with my answer BUT you can see if it fits. They should have been planted on a mound, very important for drainage as this is a rather wet summer. Don't water as around here, they are getting more than enough with rain. I live near Toronto.

It is all moisture related, while cucumbers may need a lot of water to keep them going, they are totally different from squash which aren't as watery inside and need much less water.

I hope this answers all your questions and feel free to ask me again. Please consider the following ONLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

My wife is selling Avery Type labels that will allow you to stick onto packages and record the data of seeds that you may be sending to somebody or that you may be taking from a garden, even your own. The label allows for data like Name, Sun, Type (Perennial, Annual,etc), Planting Depth, Seed  Year and where you got them. We are selling them for $4.00 Canadian or $3.00 American for 60 labels. Shipping is included. Provincial Tax only if you live in Ontario. Great for you or for a gift to another gardener.
Contact [email protected] Checks are most welcome for payment.

Good luck, Brian. Please remember to rate my answer.