Problems Growing Zucchini: Issues When Growing Zucchini Plants
The zucchini plant is one of the most common vegetables grown in the home garden. One of the reasons is that it is relatively easy to grow. Just because it is easy to grow doesn't mean that the zucchini is without its problems, however. Many people have problems growing zucchini. Let's take a look at a few of these issues when growing zucchini plants and how to fix them.
Zucchini Pests and Insects
One of the most common zucchini problems is insect pests. The zucchini plant basically looks like a buffet table to a great many insects. Some common zucchini pests include:
Most zucchini pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or pesticides. Since these different pests can affect the zucchini plant at different times in the growing cycle, it's best to start a pest control regimen as soon as the zucchini plant is in the ground to avoid these pest problems on growing zucchini.
Zucchini Diseases
A zucchini plant is also susceptible to a wide variety of diseases. These include:
Once the zucchini plant is infected with any of these disease problems, it's nearly always fatal to the zucchini plant. The best way to fix disease problems with growing zucchini is to make sure that the zucchini plant doesn't get them in the first place. This can be done mostly through appropriate care of the zucchini plant. Making sure that the plant gets plenty of sun, the right amount of water every week, avoiding top watering, and good airflow through the proper spacing of plants will go a long way towards helping the plant fend off many of these diseases. Also, keeping common zucchini pests away from the plant will help curb the diseases that these insects often carry with them.
Additional Zucchini Problems: Blossoms Falling Off Plant
Zucchini blossoms falling off plants is often an issue gardeners see. While many people think that their zucchini has a problem because the blossoms are mysteriously falling off the plant, this is actually not the case. This is very normal for zucchini plants and is part of their development process. If the ends of your zucchini get soft before they are fully grown, this is caused by squash blossom end rot and is a symptom of a calcium deficiency.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners – That They’ll Actually Use
Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
By Laura Walters
-
Are Amaryllis Plants Poisonous To Cats? How You Can Tell – And What To Grow Instead
The holiday season is a perfect time to showcase your favorite Christmas blooms, but are amaryllis plants poisonous to cats? Here’s how to keep felines safe and well
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Too Much Zucchini? Celebrate Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day On August 8th
When you have a bumper crop of zucchini, remember there’s a special day that invites you to stealthily put the excess on your neighbor’s porch. Really. Read on.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Golden Zucchini Plants: How To Grow Golden Zucchini In The Garden
Zucchini has been a garden staple for centuries. If you're a bit tired of the typical green zucchini, try growing golden zucchini plants. A twist on an old favorite with brilliant yellow color, the following article contains golden zucchini information.
By Amy Grant
-
Zucchini Plant Protection: Protecting Zucchini Plants From Frost And Pests
Zucchini is a generally easy to grow, reliably prolific producer - as long as you can keep pests away. Early frosts can also dash your hopes for zucchini bread and other squash treats. In the following article, we'll discuss how to protect zucchini squash from both.
By Amy Grant
-
Zucchini Leaves Turning Yellow: Reasons For Yellow Leaves On Zucchini
If you see the leaves on your zucchini plants turning yellow, don’t panic. Learn about the causes and ways to fix the problem.
By Amy Grant
-
How And When To Harvest Zucchini For Delicious Squash All Summer Long
It's not always easy to know when to pick fruits and vegetables, and zucchini is no exception. So when is zucchini ready to pick? Find out all the dirt on how and when to harvest zucchini in the article that follows.
By Amy Grant
-
Zucchini Plant Fertilizer: Tips On Feeding Zucchini Plants
Zucchini is one of the most popular summer squash varieties to grow in the vegetable garden. To get the highest yield of fruit, you may question "should I fertilize zucchini." The following article contains information on zucchini fertilizer requirements.
By Amy Grant
-
Zucchini Squash Diseases: Common Diseases Of Zucchini Plants
Sadly, there are a few zucchini plant diseases that you need to watch for in order to reap that bountiful harvest. Treating zucchini diseases often starts with soil preparation, crop rotation and a little pre-planning to minimize any potential issues. Learn more here.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Zucchini Companion Plants: Best Plants To Grow With Zucchini
Are you wondering about companion planting or what grows well with zucchini? Gardeners can take advantage of several plants that are compatible with zucchini. This article will help get you started.
By Mary H. Dyer