Zucchini woes

[thecustodian]

Hi all, relative newcomer to the world of gardening. I'm based in an apartment in the Mediterranean, so most of the garden is containers on the terrace.

I've been growing a variety of veg in containers. The zucchinis have been the biggest issue. There have been loads of females that start to develop but then wither and die before when small. Please see linked images:

https://gyazo.com/2956451acdbfa5587c9dfe4a95a4110d
https://gyazo.com/55e181ef4e6e1ddf9e6ceb1f924a2ec9

The plants had powdery mildew issues and I trimmed them back a massive amount to get rid of it and have started using neem oil for further control.

Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Small pumpkin]

Welcome to the vine
I can't open your pictures. That's more my problem than yours ( rubbish internet connection )
Usually when the females fall off when they are still small its because they haven't been pollinated. Hand pollinating will help with that. Pick a boy flower. Pull his petals off and generally rub it around the inside of the girl flower .

Can't help with the powdery mildew. Someone who can will be along soon.

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome.
I've looked at the pictures and I agree with SP ^^, they're not being pollinated. Hand pollinate as SP suggests - I'm too modest to give you instruction myself.

[thecustodian]

Thanks guys. I noticed the female flowers don't seem to be opening at all, regardless of the time of day. Is there any particular reason why that might happen?

[Penellype]

Only a guess, but I wonder if they are stressed from heat or lack of water or both? The mildew won't have helped. No idea if it will work, but try shading the plants from very hot sunshine and keep well watered. Powdery mildew is always much worse on plants in pots in my experience. The big leaves dry out very quickly especially if it is hot and windy. Any shelter you can give them from wind might help.