Rotting squash is not something to just accept and move on from. It’s a serious problem that…can be resolved!
A lot of gardeners tend to blame environmental factors or soil conditions for rotting fruit and just give up. While those factors can be limiting in some ways, it DOES NOT mean you can’t grow squash at all.
This article will walk you through some of the possible causes and solutions for rotting squash. Let’s not waste any more time and dive right into it!
Why Are My Squash Rotting? Causes & Solution
1 – Flooding Water
Overwatering has to be the number one reason behind any kind of rotting fruit in the garden. New gardeners have this idea that “more is better” and water their newly growing squash enthusiastically just to find out it waterlogs the whole bush/vine and spoils the fruit.
Solution
Although squash thrives in moisture, it doesn’t mean you flood the whole crop. Set a consistent watering routine and keep a firm grip around the gardening hose if you have the tendency to overwater. Also, try sprinkling a thin layer of mulch around your squash bush/vine to absorb any extra water and keep the soil moist till it’s hydrated again.
2 – Lack Of Pollination
Lack of pollination can especially be damaging to squash as it causes the fruit to begin rotting near the blossom end.
If pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds don’t visit your garden very often, poor pollination can be a serious problem. Your squash will begin to lose structural integrity and turn mushy in no time.
Solution
The best solution for this issue is to pollinate the flowers with your own hands or a small brush by simply transferring pollen from the male flower to the female one.
3 – Spreading Disease
Fungal diseases like powdery and downy mildew are common with squash and its varieties. These can result in rot spreading over the developing fruit and affecting other areas of the bush/vine.
Solution
To control mildew and other forms of fungal diseases, using disease-specific fungicides is the safest and most effective method.
4 – Lack Of Important Nutrients
If your garden soil lacks important nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, adverse effects like rot and spoiling fruit become common. Your average garden soil often isn’t enough to get squash bushes/vines fruiting and even if it does, the fruit doesn’t remain in good condition for long.
Solution
Using a balanced fertilizer with an appropriate blend of important nutrients (according to deficiencies) is the best way to get around this issue.
If you have the time and energy, you can even conduct a soil test to determine the condition of your soil and if it is appropriate for squash growth.
5 – Pest Damage
Pests are the most destructive little creatures in the garden. You would think a hurricane could just dismantle your crops but, in most cases, it’s pests that actually do.
Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles are all probably running free in your squash bush/vine and causing the developing fruit to rot badly.
Solution
Both conventional pesticides and homemade ones like neem or garlic oil sprays can help you ward off pests from your crops. Just remember to apply these sparingly and not go overboard.
Final Words
Rotting squash in your garden is not the end of the world! “But, my soil conditions are too bad” or “My region doesn’t offer the right climate to grow squash”.
Well, just wait till you find out it’s actually some important factors YOU’RE neglecting that are causing your squash to turn out rotten.
It’s time to take action and begin optimizing certain variables if you want your squash vines to produce fresh and healthy fruit.
