Did your squash have lots of blooms but the fruit died on the vine? Did your tomatoes flower, then never produce? A great many things can go wrong in a vegetable garden. Here are some tips from Contra Costa Master Gardener Terry Lippert on what might have happened and how to fix it next time.
Problem: The green beans produced plenty of vines, but no beans.
Explanation: Pole beans become stressed if the temperatures climb above 90, and they drop their blossoms. Too much nitrogen fertilizer also can result in a lack of flowers. Next year, find a sunny spot with afternoon shade, and use a fertilizer lower in nitrogen.
Problem: Blossoms on zucchini, squash, cucumbers and melons shriveled and fell off, and while some fruit formed, it never matured.
Explanation: This usually is a fertilization problem. All of these plants need both male and female flowers to produce fruit. You might have one or the other. Grow flowering plants near these vegetables to encourage pollinators and, if necessary, pollinate your own. The female blossom will have a swelling just under the flower; the male has only the straight stem. Use a small paint brush to transfer pollen from the male to the female. One male bloom can pollinate several female.
Problem: The tomatoes begin growing, but before ripening, they develop a rotten end.
Explanation: Blossom end rot is likely caused by uneven watering, which prevents the plant from absorbing calcium. Maintain an even soil moisture and next year, add lots of organic materials to the soil before planting.
