skip to main content

Heirloom Plants & Gardens

delicata squash is dying

13 years ago

This is my first garden and I planted two delicata squash in Northern California. Only one fruit is growing on each plant. But each plant sprouts many little delicata's that shrivel up and die. Now one of the plants is getting very brown, dead leaves.

What could be the problem? I've read on this site about vine bores. How do you know if this is happening and what can be down about it?

Thank you for your help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

Bob (Seattle, Zone 8a)
13 years ago
How are the leaves dying? Are they going brown evenly, starting on the edges, or in patches?

To check for borers, look along the main stem that runs along the ground. If you have borers, you'll find a hole (or, God forbid, holes) with a pile of droppings around it. Also look under the leaves to see if there are squash bugs; they look a bit like a longish gray stinkbug.

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Midcentury Meets Mediterranean in California

By Mary Jo Bowling

Squash-colored walls are painted crisp white to provide a bright backdrop for modern furnishings, lighting and textiles

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Pumpkins

By Marianne Lipanovich

Start in spring to grow your own fall decorations and have plenty left for pies

EDIBLE GARDENS Garden BFFs? Why Your Vegetables Are Begging for Companion Plants

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Foster friendships among plants for protection from pests, pollination support and color camaraderie

GARDENING GUIDES Essential Watering Tips for Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

To give your edible plants just what they need, check out these guidelines for how, when and how much to water

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Edible Flowers Offer a Sweet Taste from the Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Flowers that beautify the landscape can also pretty up the plate or sweeten a spread

EDIBLE GARDENS 8 Surefire Vegetables and Herbs for Beginning Gardeners

By Abundant City

Learn the edible plants that are popular and easy to grow in a backyard or container garden

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Rustic Touches That Add Warmth to a Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Exposed beams, chandeliers, farm tables or just a key accessory or two can bring some coziness to the heart of your home

GARDENING GUIDES California Gardener's June Checklist

Update your hydrangeas, catch up on tomatoes and more ways to enjoy your California garden in June

GARDENING GUIDES Get a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing

By Marianne Lipanovich

Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside

Sponsored

More Discussions

Meet the new wave of 2024: REALEAD’s Fine Olive Tree blends perfectly

0