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04 Mar 19 Dave (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Hi, I planted Baby squash last season and they all produced beautiful flowers which then dropped off and no fruit was ever produced. I still have 1 plant growing profusely but it is also dropping its flowers and not producing fruit. I have a raised garden bed which consists of Culterra's professional potting soil mixed with last years winter leaves to which I add lawn cuttings from time to time. The raised bed drains well but faces west with full sun from 10h00 till 17h00. To protect the veggies from the hot afternoon sun I have shade netting covering the raised bed. All my various other veggies and herbs have done extremely well. I tend to water every 3rd day or so when no rain is about. I reside in Pretoria. I am also careful with which veggies I plant together. I also follow the principle of planting Marigolds and Basil in with the veggies. I keep peas, beans and cucumbers well away from onions. I grow potatoes but again well away from the raised bed. Any idea what is up with the baby squash? Your assistance will be appreciated.

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12 Nov 19 Another gardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Probably not being pollinated. Do it by hand. e g just take one of the "male" flowers (the ones on stalks - and a single stem inside the flower), peel the petals off the male flower to make it easier to get into the "female" flowers and rub the pollen onto the "female" flowers (the ones with the fruit under them - and the curled shaped stamens).

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