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Cucumber-and-Squash-Blossoms-Falling-Off-Plant-THUMB.jpg

Cucumber and Squash Blossoms Falling Off Plant

My problem is with cucumbers and any type of squash. They will start with a bloom, grow about 1/2 inch and than get rotten and fall off. What am I doing wrong?

Start by evaluating your growing conditions. A lack of calcium can cause this problem to occur in squash and cucumbers just like it does with tomatoes. Fortunately most gardeners have plenty of calcium in their soil. Take a soil test before investing in calcium rich soil amendments. For most of us, moisture is the real culprit here. A lack of water or uneven watering can impede the uptake of calcium. Try watering your plants thoroughly and less frequently to encourage deep drought tolerant roots. Mulch the soil to conserve moisture and avoid cultivation that can damage the roots. A few diseases can also cause the symptoms you described. Remove the squash blossoms as they fade to reduce the risk of damage caused by these diseases.

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