Question
Dear Candace,I have a small organic vegetable garden I started about 4 years ago.My problem is the summer squash.After the first year,the leaves started to turn white and some of the plants died.The ones that survived gave small yeilds.I have tried changing where I plant it yearly,but no matter where it is it has this problem.A new developement this year was,After several inches of rainfall I woke up to find mushrooms growing in the garded! I don't know if this has anything to do with the squash problem.Please keep in mins,I would like to stay organic if possible.I am so grateful for this service.I will be waiting for your reply.Thank you so much.I hope you will be able to help. Susan Marie

Answer
Hi Marie,
You don't say where you are located, but if it is anywhere in the northeast the mushrooms is not a puzzle. This rain is out of control, and that is the reason for the mushroom.

It also sounds to me as if it could be the problem with the squash in a sense. You could have a drainage problem. It is difficult to know without knowing more about how you prepared the bed in the garden, etc.

Are there any signs of vine borers? You would look for them at pretty much the base of the vine, and should be able to see spots where they have entered - sort of sawdusty looking area near the vine, the vine bored into... that sort of thing.

Please tell me more about the squash and how you are feeding the soil. Is there plenty of compost on your garden? If not, start with that - make sure to use plenty of compost - both for the nutritional value and to add tilth to your soil.

I hope this helps.
Candace