What's wrong with my Courgettes?

[Remeboy]

This last couple of years, when the fruit has formed, and the flower has died, the fruit starts to go yellow at the flower end and finally drop off. This year is the same as last, right at the end of the growing season, they start to come right. Can it be some sort of nutrient deficientcy or just this dammed lousey weather.

[Clanad]

Two problems can produce the results you are describing. Here in the U.S., we call them zuchinnis, but experience the same difficulties. The most common problem is overwatering, or having way to much rain. Zuchinnis should be watered moderately... maybe 1 inch per week or less. The soil should be well drained. If you have heavy soil with clay underlying, next spring work in a goodly amount of peat moss and even some sand to improve drainage. Secondly, many growers have problems with the plants not being pollinated. Especially with the decimation of bee keepers hives experienced in Europe and the U.K. and even somewhat here in the U.S., the problem could be even worse. Try pollinating themselves. I use a small, two inch soft bristle clean paint brush. Just brush the male flower and then transfer the pollen to the female flowers. The females have a bulge at the blossom end where it joins the vine. To late this year, but better luck next!

[Lonnie]

I'd take a bet, as Clanad says, that your growing Zuchinnis, you can what he says, that very good advice if you stay with them, but 'Green Bush' are just as good, hardier, and more prolific.

[Clanad]

Excuse the minor thread hijack Remeboy, but I have to ask Lonnie... I've seen you recommend this plant before and now my curiosity is raised. What exactly is the 'Green Bush' and what kind of fruit does it bear? It sounds interesting and I'd like to try it... Thanks! (You're anxiously awaiting Yom Kippur, no? Enjoy Seudah Mafseket !)

[Lonnie]

Hi Clanad, first, My apologies, I did this to you before, anyways, 'Green Bush' taste just as good as Zuchinnis, I don't know if you can get them in America, I would imagine so, if you do, I can't see you regretting it, but the best way I can describe them, is with this link, its actually the firm I buy most of my vegetable seeds from.
http://fothergills.co.uk/en/courgette-all-gree n-bush-632.aspx

As for Yom Kippur,yes, even with my particular views, its a day I will not miss.

[Remeboy]

Thank you both, Clanad & Lonnie. I do usually grow the Bush type, but the last two years I've had a go with growing them up poles with the runner beans, I do like the growing habit they look quite neat, instead of going all over the place. I think this problem has to be put down to the excess water they have had, next year I'll try a different spot in the garden. Once again, many thanks to you both.