blossom end rot?

Does anyone have a solution to blossom-end rot on zucchini? My plants are huge and full of fruit but all of them start to turn yellow on the end and then shrivel up. HELP!!!

Depending on who you ask, blossom end rot on tomatoes is usually due to uneven watering and/or a calcium deficiency in the soil. With tomatoes often the first fruits might have some BER but then the plants usually seem to grow out of it. I did a quick google search and found similar information regarding zucchini--you might want to try that. Also make sure you are not overwatering, watering at night or letting the fruit sit on damp ground for long periods of time.

I wish I could help more but hopefully someone will come along who knows more about summer squash than I do. My current issue with summer squash is the cucumber beetles. Nothing like spending your morning squishing cucumber beetles. ;)

This message was edited Jul 11, 2008 11:22 AM

Neire is correct, it's the calcium and watering.. Most soils have enough calcium (an inexpensive soil test will find out if there is not enough). The problem is calcium uptake and transport in plant tissue. That is where regular watering comes in. When plant transpiration is at a point that adequate amounts of calcium cannot be taken from the soil fast enough, the calcium which enters the plant goes to the leaves, stems and roots. The fruit is starved of the calcium it needs. By keeping the plant well hydrated at all times it is best able to take up the amount of calcium all parts of the plant needs.

The calcium spray products which claim to prevent or reverse BER are not effective because calcium does not transport readily from the leaves and because, when plant transpiration is heavy, calcium will be hoarded by the leaves.

Yes, even watering is the best approach. Too many people think that adding calcium is the solution, but as David pointed out - it's there - just not getting to the fruits.

Thank you all. I'm going to start by regulating watering (although the soil seems to be pretty moist) and if that doesn't help I'll test the soil and act accordingly.
Thanks again,
Sal

When I notice that I'm getting BER on the tomatoes, I'll dilute some milk in water and water the plants. It does seem to help.