Pale patches/Courgette leaves

[mirita]

We have recently planted some courgette plants in a grow bag and a couple of plant pots. Problem is, each plant has developed some pale patches on the leaves, and now these patches are developing into holes, another problem is that something has taken a liking to one of the plants and over a period of about a week has eaten one of the healthier leaves, despite the fact we have laid a bed of egg shells and even resorted to slug pellets(ok for organic use) can some one offer us some insight or words of wisdom, please. Much appreciated. Thanks.

[gojiberry]

Leaves turning pale usually indicate a lack of food, courgettes are very hungry feeders and you need to start feeding from an early stage. The other thing to watch out for is mosaic virus which also produces mottled leaves, you need to google for this so as you get a picture of the disease. Hope it only needs feeding.

Ian

[Flummery]

the pale patches/holes could be where water has splashed on (or condensation at night - I assume they are in a geenhouse?) and the water acts as a lens for the sun and burns/damages the plant that way. The good news is that this isn't fatal.
Sadly, slugs and snails LOVE them. I'm afraid I've given in to the competition and try a barrier method (there's some stuff called slug stoppa but you have to re-apply it after rain - so all the time then!) but I grow a few extra plants so if they eat the first one I can replace it!

[Alice]

Mirita, I'm sure your question will just be the first of this years crop. Everybody worries about their courgette leaves. I agree with the answers you have had above.
In my experience courgette leaves always end up pretty ragged but it doesn't affect their cropping. I'm sure your courgettes will be fine. Good luck.

[mirita]

Thanks Guys, (and Gals), at the moment they seem to be doing fine, but what do I feed them with, and how often?

[Flummery]

Wait till the fruit is swelling. I use tomato feed for anything with a fruit.

[Maximillian]

my leaves went yellow mainly because i got overexcited and put them outside too early and the frost mullered them. am planting some more now

[Creemteez]

Mine also got a dose of wind burn while I was hardening them off. Their seed leaves are looking particularly silvery and there are patches of the same on the true leaves, but taking them indoors for a couple of days to get their breath back has perked them up.
If you can't bring them in, try protecting them with a bit of fleece or plastic cloching of some kind. It's still quite early to be planting out those tender little babies.
Good luck!