While we’re thinking about zucchini, which everyone can grow successfully, right? Well, maybe not. A deformed early zucchini prompted me to explore the possible reasons this week.

Zucchini growing problems: 10 common issues and how to overcome them

After reading the linked article, top of mind is the importance of consistent soil moisture snd nearby flowers to attract pollinators.

I’m leaving my bolted arugula next to the zucchini since the flowers are a magnet for bees. Hopefully, some pollinators add zucchini flowers to the menu.

Top 10 zucchini growing problems (Read more about these in linked article).
1. Improper variety selection
2. Squash vine borers
3. Poor pollination
4. Powdery mildew
5. Squash bugs
6. Poor soil
7. Lack of water
8; Blossom end rot
9. Bacterial wilt
10. Not enough sun

You may also want to read my previous post on Powdery Mildew which bedevils me every summer here in the fog belt. I did read in the linked article that Astia, a zucchini variety I grew previously is mildew resistent. Maybe I’ll try it again next summer.

The UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center provides squash culture information and problem diagnosis for squash and cucumbers.

Here’s another early zucchini—just to my liking.