Question: The blossoms on my zucchini form great and look healthy but look like they have been cut off just below the blossom during the night. I can't find any insects around or in the mulch or soil. What could do this?
Hardiness Zone: 10a
Edwin from Ventura, CA
Answer: Edwin,
You're zucchini blossoms could be falling prey to a number of animals like rats, rabbits, raccoons, ground hogs, skunks or deer. And if you've ever eaten zucchini blossoms yourself, it's understandable-they're wonderful! Once critters get a taste for this delicious buffet, they will keep coming back for more. So unless you're willing to set up a commando post in your backyard and sit up all night wearing a pair of night vision goggles (although to me this does sound fun), you're going to have to cover your zucchini plants if you hope to have anything left at harvest time. Some inexpensive row covers should do the trick. They let in light and do a pretty good job of discouraging most animals. Row covers also keep out the bees, so plan on pollinating your plants by hand. Depending on the size of your zucchini patch, you could also fashion a cage made out of chicken wire and secure it to the ground with stakes. This will still allow the bees in and save you the work of hand pollinating.
Ellen
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