Some small skinny black beetle is eating through the base and stalks of my zucchini plant. I've pulled a stalk off and the entire stalk was hollow and the leaf, of course, was dead. The inside of one of the larger stalks was all lacy, soft and bugs crawling around inside. Any clues how to treat this? I suspect I'm SOL at this point, but want to know what I can do in the future. This is my very first garden and I love zucchini. Thank you much for answering my question.
It is likely squash bugs or vine borers. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/squash-bug-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-pests-identifying-and-preventing-squash-vine-borer.htm
I always have a problem with Zucchini and Cucumber plants. The plants grow very well and start to produce then overnight they wilt and die. I spray regularly with Seven but still lose the plants. Thank you.
Make sure you are using crop rotation to help control any disease or fungus that is living in the soils.
I would recommend Neem Oil as is does work as both an insecticide and fungicide and does not hurt bees that you need for pollination.
Here are some links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/solutions-for-common-problems-growing-zucchini.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have many blooms on my zucchini plant, but they do not develop into vegetables. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.
If you are getting flowers but no fruit, really the only issue is pollination. Because of the high heat in much of the country this season, this can sometimes make pollinators a little lazier than they should be. Therefore, you may need to hand pollinate to make up for it. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/pollinate-squash-by-hand.htm
How do I get rid of tiny little brown beetles (smaller than brown ants) that are destroying the base stem of my plants? Thanks!
Some common zucchini pests include cut worms, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, vine borers, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. Most zucchini pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or organic pesticides like neem oil (which I prefer). Since these different pests can affect the zucchini plant at different times in the growing cycle, it is best to start a pest control regimen as soon as the zucchini plant is in the ground to avoid these pest problems on growing zucchini.
Here is more information on neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
My neighbor gave me the last of his crop of zucchini, and they all have bumps on them, all over. When I cut them up, they look very good, like normal zucchinis, except for the appearance. They seem to be good, but I am not sure if those are caused by virus. Is it safe to consume? Thank you.
Yes, they are safe to eat. As long as the inside looks healthy, they should be fine. Just cook them as usual. Often this is caused by poor growing conditions or a virus (which humans cannot get). This article will help explain why this happens: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/bumps-on-zucchini.htm
My zucchini plants are producing small zucchinis and now I noticed that the flowers are falling of the zucchinis and they are turning yellow. They are only about 3" long and there are several of them. What do I need to do?
Male flowers, which are non-fruiting, commonly drop off the plant and this is common early on. Once the plant begins bearing female blossoms, it is normal for them to drop off as well when the fruit begins to form.
My vegetable garden was going great...and then it started to discolor and wilt. I think it's some kind of a fungus. Can I do anything to save it? Some plants seem to be affected more than others. Zucchini and summer squash are the worst. Can you give me any advice?
Can you describe the discoloration or, better yet, provide a photo?
In the meantime, here is an article with information on the bacterial wilt that affects plants in the squash family:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/signs-and-treatments-of-squash-wilt.htm
And, here's an article on common zucchini problems that may be of some assistance:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/solutions-for-common-problems-growing-zucchini.htm
Happy gardening!