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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: SueSteve on May 19, 2007, 22:20:32

Title: courgettes split stalks
Post by: SueSteve on May 19, 2007, 22:20:32
Hi,
I have noticed that some of my courgette plants stalks have split.
Does anyone know what has caused this? The rest of the plant appears to be growing unaffected.
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: Deb P on May 20, 2007, 12:35:07
Sudden growth surge following rain after a drought?  :-\

I'd also suspect slug/snail damage, they have eaten right through the main stalk of my plants before now. I always put half a plastic bottle around the neck of my plants which stays on the whole season, it helps keep the foliage upright when the plants are small to keep the slimies away.... ;D
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: Sparkly on May 20, 2007, 14:39:36
Excellent tip above! I am going to try that. I put out a few squash and courgette plants like week and the slugs got half of them! boo hoo! I am planning to buy some more at the allotment plant sale next week and I will use this method and cross my fingers.
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: SueSteve on May 20, 2007, 17:45:00
Great tip! Thanks.
I will add the collars next time I am at the lottie!
We planted out 12 courgettes today, we have another 14 plants in reserve!! I think we just overestimated how many we needed!! But they will be good as a backup!
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: Sparkly on May 20, 2007, 18:01:42
Quote from: SueSteve on May 20, 2007, 17:45:00

We planted out 12 courgettes today, we have another 14 plants in reserve!!

start looking up courgette recipes - you will be eating them for every meal! (including breakfast!)  ;D
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: OllieC on May 20, 2007, 18:10:13
Quote from: Sparkly on May 20, 2007, 18:01:42
Quote from: SueSteve on May 20, 2007, 17:45:00

We planted out 12 courgettes today, we have another 14 plants in reserve!!

start looking up courgette recipes - you will be eating them for every meal! (including breakfast!)  ;D

Ooooh, fried in butter & salted - a brilliant breakfast. I can't wait...
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: SueSteve on May 20, 2007, 21:15:39
Courgette and chocolate cake!
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: real food on May 22, 2007, 19:35:53
I have seen splitting stem damage before, and came to the conclusion that it is caused by the wind rocking the young plants and twisting their stems. Young courgettes, squashes, should always have protection from the wind and cold when they are planted out.
Title: Re: courgettes split stalks
Post by: SueSteve on May 22, 2007, 19:37:41
Thanks :)