First Aid needed for my squash plants

iiiigardener Mon 27 May 2013 - 16:55

Both my pattypan and my zucchini squash developed long vine splits following our storm (over 70 mph winds). The splits are from the soil and extend about three inches up in the vine. It isn't from SVB but damage from wind. Is there any way to save the plants? I wasn't sure if I should cover the split part of the vine with MM or try to somehow splint the area.

Otherwise, the plants are doing well so far and are putting out blossoms and fruit. They were just thrashed in the wind and rain storm but look great besides the splits.

**camprn** Mon 27 May 2013 - 17:04

If the vine is split and not broken off, it may heal itself and continue to grow. If the vine has broken off the plant may put out another vine, or not. Good luck.
If you have a photo, please feel free to post it.

iiiigardener Mon 27 May 2013 - 18:31

Thanks camprn - here they are:

This is the zucchini

http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0092009/photos/93883804@N03/8861576508/

This is the pattypan

http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0096009/photos/93883804@N03/8861575512/

The toothpicks are there as I read in the forum that it was a good way to stop cutworms. I've read that sometimes it is good to cover the split area with soil but wanted to check to see if the gardeners here are of that opinion.

Triciasgarden Tue 28 May 2013 - 12:03

I would cover those areas and a little higher up with your MM so they can establish more roots. I would think that the areas with the splits may be more fragile and open to invaders if this is not done.

**walshevak** Tue 28 May 2013 - 18:59

Such a timely thread. I just transplanted my zukes on May 9 and there has been some really stong winds blasting though my yard. I checked today and sure enough, 4" splits. I dug down and around the stem and buried it the best I could, then mounded more MM around the stem. Plant seems healty and is starting to bloom so I am crossing my fingers. HMMMMM. Think I'll also put in a couple of zuke seeds beside the split plants. By the time they come up I'll know for sure if the plants have been able to heal.

Kay

Lindacol Tue 28 May 2013 - 19:47

I'm wondering if those of you with split squash stems are in the SVB area and if so if it might be a good idea to put a little BT in the split?

Sponsored content

First Aid needed for my squash plants

First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants

Re: First Aid needed for my squash plants


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.