Protect zucchini plants from stressors

Q. This summer my zucchini plants produced many fruits that began to develop but then withered at the far ends and slowly rotted off. Why does this happen?

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A. Questions on this common zucchini issue arise often. When the far, blossom end of a developing zucchini withers away and rots, the problem is some kind of stressor preventing newly formed fruits to develop to a usable size.

The stressor(s) can be poor or dry soil, a lack of pollinating insects, or uncongenial weather conditions

Given a modestly but consistently moist soil that is reasonably fertile and humus-rich, temperatures may have been an issue. Zucchini grows and produces best at temperatures in the 18 to 24 C range. Higher temperatures stress the plants. With hot weather, I top-dress my zucchini plants with compost and cover the compost with an moisture-conserving, insulating mulch. I use chopped straw, a good deflector of hot sunlight.

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Young zucchinis can also rot if they rest on a wet soil surface. To keep zucchinis (and cucumbers) in good condition, avoid overwatering and consider lifting the fruits to rest and develop on a dry surface such as chopped straw.

Q. My shelling pea plants and pods developed some powdery mildew. Is it safe to shell and eat peas when the pods are slightly mildewed? The peas themselves look fine.

A. In a very severe infection, with all parts of the plants covered in a heavy dusting of powdery mildew, it is best to remove and destroy all parts of the plants, but if the infection is light and the peas inside the pods are clear of disease, it should be safe to eat them.

Some people have adverse reactions to different kinds of moulds. Keep this in mind as you handle the pods. I would rinse the peas well before processing and consuming them.

The earliest possible seedings often produce plants that escape powdery mildew infections.

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