Topic: Blossom End Rot???

[MassMama]

I just noticed that the end of my summer squash are rotting off I know I seen something around about it but I am unsure of where it was....
How do you stop this from happening???
PLEASE tell me there is an easy or good cure for this... Poor little Squash were about 2 1/2 inches long...

[Dianna]

by Pharmerphil:

1 tablespoon of Epsom Salts per foot of tomato plant, worked into the soil around the base of your plant, and you'll have no problems with blossom end rot.

This was the suggestion for tomato BER in another topic. I don't see why it wouldn't work for squash, too...

Here is a page by Clemson Extension that may help you to keep it from happening.

[MassMama]

  Thanks Dianna... I thought I was all in the clear and the flowers were dissapearing and I noticed it looked like piece of the flower stuck to the squash... Looked closer and YUCK it was the nasty Rot!!  Just hope I caught it in time!! 

[duh]

From what I've read that will work as long as there is calcium in the soil for the plant to absorb.  If for some reason your soil is as poor as mine you may have to actually add the calcium to the soil.  I did that using powdered egg shells that I saved from cooking hard boiled eggs and then ground in the coffee grinder lol.  So if the epsom salts don't work that is a second option to try. 

But if your having rain like I am that alone hitting the leaves can stop the plant from being able to absorb the calcium like it should.

[MassMama]

Thanks I will keep that in my notebook too Duh... I really don't want to loose any more .... I will post a picture as soon I can load one up just in case it may be something else causing the problem! 

OK here is the picture
*broken link removed*

[Pharmerphil]

that is improper pollination Rita, either you need to do it yourself, or hire bee's
the only other possibility is EXTREME heat...heat will cause pooor pollination, the pollen will actually "cake" in the humidity.

[duh]

I've heard but don't know that you are suppose to limit the number of female flowers on a vine to around three so they get all the energy for producing large good fruit.  I don't know if this is accurate.  Hopefully Pharmerphil will come back and know if this is true. 

[Dianna]

that is improper pollination Rita, either you need to do it yourself, or hire bee's
the only other possibility is EXTREME heat...heat will cause pooor pollination, the pollen will actually "cake" in the humidity.

Very interesting, Phil! I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing the knowledge that you have...

Wonder how much the bees would charge? 

[MassMama]

  I dunno  It is my first garden  I guess I should feel lucky I got it under control so fast..
I pulled all that had the spots on them and now I think the bugs and bees are doing their job... Next year I plan to plant some flowers below the veggies ... that should help attract some pollenators!! 

[duh]

Bee Balm that'll do it.

[MassMama]

Actually I have some of that in my back yard ... I should dig some up and transplant it when it is done blooming... Orrr should I do it before just so I know it will keep the bees up there ... Might go into shock and not bloom at all though...

[duh]

I think after it is finished blooming is best.