AboutElyse Grau Expertise I can answer most questions on vegetable and fruit growing, in particular those that pertain to the Northwest, Midwest and other cool areas of the country. I prefer to use only organic/natural methods and materials.
Experience I have Master Gardener training and have been gardening for over 25 years. I use organic and natural methods only. I live on 5 acres and have a large vegetable garden, as well as orchard, grapevines and berries.
Question I have planted summer crooked necked squash. I have 2 plants. The small squash (1/4 inch or less) rot and fall off the vine before the flower ever gets close to opening. Its not a pollination problem as the flower has not matured enough to be pollinated. Would the soil be missing an essential nutrient? We have had a lot of rain this spring (over 6 inches so far with normal for this area being about 4 for June). I live in Indiana. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Answer Jeff:
Actually Jeff, it is a pollination issue, but not necessarily a problem. The squash (fruit) will not develop until after pollination occurs. The flower has probably already opened but was not pollinated and is now wilting, which is normal.
Are there plenty of male flowers on the vine? These lack the swelling you are calling the squash. Are you seeing bees, wasps or other pollinators in the area? You can try hand-pollinating them if you wish. Just use a paintbrush to brush some of the pollen from a male flower onto the stigma of the female one.
If the nights are still cool there, that may be the issue. In that case you will just have to wait it out. as long as the plant looks healthy and continues to grow and flower, it is probably fine and you will have plenty of squash in due time.
