Blossom Drop on Tomatoes, Squash & Cucumbers: Causes & Fixes

Last year, blossoms dropped on tomatoes, squash, cucumbers (drying behind flower). Weather was good. Blossom‑set spray helped but yield half. Asks cause and prevention.

Two Main Causes

1. Incomplete Pollination
   • Bees scarce? Hand‑pollinate (Q‑tip, male→female) within 1 day of female opening.
   • Attract bees: sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, alyssum nearby.
2. Overwatering
   • Soggy soil → poor root function → blossom drop.
   • Water deeply 1‑2x/week (1.5" total), not daily shallow.

Contributing Factors

• Over‑fertilizing (high N): Lush leaves, few fruits. Use high‑P/K fertilizer (tomato formula) every 2 weeks.
• Shallow watering: Roots stay near surface. Water deep.
• No mulch: Soil overheats, moisture swings. Mulch 2‑3" straw/grass.

Complete Prevention Plan

1. Low‑N fertilizer every 2 weeks.
2. Deep water 1‑2x/week.
3. Heavy mulch.
4. Bee habitat + hand‑pollinate if needed.

Consistent moisture, targeted feeding, and pollinator support = full fruit set.