Summer Squash Fruit Rot: Rain, Pollination, and Fertilizer Fixes

Introduction

Rotting baby squash in wet weather stems from drainage and pollination issues.

Excess Rain and Poor Drainage Cause Rot

Amend soil with organic matter (manure, peat, compost) to improve drainage.

Hand-Pollinate if Bees Scarce

Use brush or male flower to pollinate females within 1 day of opening.

Avoid High-Nitrogen Fertilizer

High N = leaves, few fruit. Use high P/K fertilizer (tomato formulas work).

Deep Watering and Mulch

Water 1.5 inches weekly, deeply. Mulch heavily with straw/grass clippings.

Conclusion

Fix drainage, hand-pollinate, use low-N fertilizer, mulch deeply to prevent squash rot.