Is there such a thing as blossom end rot in summer squash? I don't have the problem, but a gardener friend down the road is having a lot of trouble with her squash. She has crook-neck and a standard zucchini planted. When the squash get to about 3", the blossom end turns brown and soft, and the squash shrivels. Has anyone encountered this? Is there a cure/prevention? I've searched but found nothing pertinent.
Yep, It happens. She may be calcium deficient or it may be caused by inconsistent water or lack of water.
Inconsistent water sounds like the culprit. I'll call her and ask, and if not that, then calcium deficiency or lack of water may be the problem. Thank you!
Epsom salts will help that but each year I have a few that do that but as the weather heats up it usually stops unless the squash touches the dirt.
I'll add Epsom Salts to the list of possible cures/preventions. We are going to get a handle on this problem and solve the blossom end rot for her! Thanks to Stew members .
Just work a couple of tablespoons or a little more about 4 or 5 inches away from the plant stem and water it in. Should help the new squash that form. Toss all those that have rotted.
That's exactly how my zucchini's did at the beginning of last season! I never did figure out the problem, but thankfully it corrected itself.
