Courgettes

[leoblackcat]

I have never grown courgettes before - and all was fine up until yesterday. Today a couple of them are looking a bit worse for wear. They are still indoors but some of the leaves have been going yellow and wilting. Maybe I haven't watered them enough? Maybe they are lacking a nutrient? Gave them some tomorite tonight, so I am hoping this pulls them round a bit. i notice a few of their stems are quite flimsy where they join the soil - do they need to be earthed up a bit or will this kill them?

Thanks.

[Iamhanuman]

how big are they leo?

[Capsid]

Hmm, might be stem rot due to saturated compost. Too much watering perhaps.

[Iamhanuman]

i was thinking that too capsid.
could giving feed too young do damage too?

[Capsid]

i was thinking that too capsid.
could giving feed too young do damage too?

I wouldn't feed or water at all until the soil surface is dry to the touch and then water from the bottom. But it may be too late if the stem is soft.

[Iamhanuman]

i think i've been lucky with my courgettes
i was really concerned about them and have been found guilty m'lud of overwatering many things in the past (and more recent )
i planted three this time and three came up
they all look healthy, have one true leaf so far and when they have two they are going out in an open greenhouse before going in the tub with their other two sisters, the sweetcorn and the french beans

[leoblackcat]

Sorry I forgot to say that. I planted them about 3 weeks ago - most of them have 4 or so true leaves and they have flower buds on too.

[kentvegplot]

Most likely to be too wet. Let them dry out between waterings. Also, the Tomorite is great once the flowers and fruit are forming, but it doesn't encourage leaves and roots which is what you want now.

They're pretty tough though, hope they recover!

[Flummery]

Be a bit meaner to 'em!

[leoblackcat]

Thanks - I think you're right that it is root rot. I will leave them to dry out and see if they pull round. Think I may have to plant one more just so i have a spare in case they don't come through it.

[leoblackcat]

Just found the reason my courgettes were struggling. Went to put one on the compost and found lots of wiggly see-through maggots. Looked them up in the internet and I think they are fungus gnats :-

Fungus Gnats and Shoreflies in Greenhouse Crops

Seems i need to starve my plants of water for a few days to see if i can get rid of them....

[Two_Sheds]

yes, the dreaded Fungus Gnat.
It loves over-watering !