Courgette and cucumber: wilting leaves, too much sun? With pictures!

[ddiogyn]

Hullo,

This is my first time growing anything so forgive me if this is a silly question. I have noticed that my courgette and cucumber plants' leaves become very wilted as the day progresses when it is sunny (compared with the early morning, when they are very turgid). Is this in any way detrimental to the plant? Should i move to a more shady spot? When it is cloudless, they receive about 12 hours of direct sunlight a day...

Pictures below. I have been spraying the leaves with water in the late morning and mid afternoon as this does seem to perk the leaves up a bit. The images below were taken 30mins after a spray, before which they were more floppy.

[rustylady]

Trouble with direct hot sunshine is that the leaves lose water faster than the roots can replace it. With the brick wall behind them I bet they get really hot. Be careful spraying in direct sunshine, too you may well scorch the leaves as the droplets of water magnify the suns rays. Could you rig up a bit of shade (green fine mesh netting) for them on sunny days?

[Capsid]

Trouble with direct hot sunshine is that the leaves lose water faster than the roots can replace it. With the brick wall behind them I bet they get really hot. Be careful spraying in direct sunshine, too you may well scorch the leaves as the droplets of water magnify the suns rays. Could you rig up a bit of shade (green fine mesh netting) for them on sunny days?

The scorching issue is a myth. The droplets don't magnify the rays enough and don't heat the plant up to scorch it.

Best Way - Should You Water Plants in the Middle of the Day? | eHow.com

[Flummery]

The soil looks a bit dry though. They do like a deep drink.

[ddiogyn]

Thanks all for your responses!

The soil looks a bit dry though. They do like a deep drink.

Do you think? I had watered them at 8.30am and the picture was taken at noon. I tend to water once a day, about a 2 pints per plant. What watering regimen would be more advisable? Should i mulch with a layer of plastic to help retain moisture?

[Sheikh Yerboutti]

Excavate about an inch deep around the stem of a cuc, if the stem is brownish and withered find my post " Can you save my cucumber" I had exactly the same problem a few weeks ago.

[ddiogyn]

Excavate about an inch deep around the stem of a cuc, if the stem is brownish and withered find my post " Can you save my cucumber" I had exactly the same problem a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the head's up. I did as you said, though i excavated only till i came across some roots, about a centimeter in. All looks well down below, nice and green.

[Tomatoking]

Your plants do look quite healthy, no yellowing. So I would also say it is an under watering problem. The bottom of the pot could be dry and in high sun the plant cannot take up enough water. Lift the pot to feel the weight, this wll give you a good idea. if that is the problem, then a really good soak on a hot day will help.

Also till they get back to normal, keep them slightly shaded from the full sun.
I would also cool them down with a hose as you are doing, you are better to risk a little scorch than losing your plants. I am in the school of thought like capsid of that one.

[Pies]

Are the pots standing in a tray or direct on the patio,if they are not in a watering tray best get one under there s squash plants love water.It will also be easier to keep the plants constantly watered without overwatering