Problem with courgettes.

[OAKLEY WAY]

Hello` lottie` friends !
My wife and I have for many years [possibly 9 years] been able to produce courgettes by the `ton` on our allotment but this year we have been challenged as although the plants grow well and produce flower heads of at least 5" dia. and fruits of 7 inches x 1.5 inches dia.....after that nothing happens other than the fruits seem to over ripen and turn to `gunge`.
Any advice .even if condescending, would be be most gratefully received.
What are we doing incorrectly? Someone out there knows and we would be most appreciative for the help.

[Bren In Pots]

I find courgettes and cucumbers main aim in life is the die off
I've got 6 courgettes 4 are doing well and producing but one of the Di nizza plants grows courgettes and suddenly they go yellow and die. the plant next to it is fine. Its just odd.

[OAKLEY WAY]

Thank you Bren for your time to reply.It could be that we have just happened upon a type that doesn`t like to mature like in previous years.

[Thelma Sanders]

If the fruits look ok and then rot off, it is usually because of pollination problems.
Have you got any bee-friendly flowers nearby to tempt then in?

[veggiechicken]

I've only picked one so far this year.
At 7" I would have thought they'd be big enough to use without waiting for them to get larger - or turn to mush! Maybe it depends on the variety - some are meant to be picked small.

[Zelenina]

If they start going mushy from the end not attached to the plant it could be blossom end rot, which is better known on tomatoes but can be a problem with squash and courgettes too.

[Mr Bones]

If they start going mushy from the end not attached to the plant it could be blossom end rot, which is better known on tomatoes but can be a problem with squash and courgettes too.

I didn't know that, you live and learn. Thanks Zelenina.

[OAKLEY WAY]

Problem with courgettes

If they start going mushy from the end not attached to the plant it could be blossom end rot, which is better known on tomatoes but can be a problem with squash and courgettes too.

Many thanks to Zelenina and others who have been courteous enough to pass on advice.
I wont bother this year but next year I will ensure that we have at least two plants alongside each other and a few bee attracting flowers nearby.
The remaining vegs. are fine,especially the runner beans,low level French beans and Broad beans.Carpe Diem!

[1Bee]

Sometimes if you pick them when they're very small, it seems to give the plant the kick it needs to get going. I always pick the first few courgettes that set at that very small stage.