Prune, prune, prune. People don't talk about zucchini pruning enough, and gardeners fall in love with their big, beautiful, but mildew-prone, leaves. Prune the leaves from the lowest before mildew spreads, leaving a healthy 6-8 leaves.
This is sooooo helpful! Thank you - I had absolutely stopped growing squash in our Zone 8 South Carolina garden because of the issues you mentioned. I’m excited to try again now 🤩
Can I just say that learning that there are parthenocarpic zucchini really feels like a game changer for me. Already have some on my list to order for next year!
I’m loving your videos! Although the high-pitched music softly playing in the background sometimes while you’re speaking is distracting for me, I’m pressing on because I find such value in your expertise!
This is excellent- think I understand finally why our garden zukes are always a fail. Thank you so much- definitely trying the green machine and dunja next year.
amazing info! i had gorgeous zucchini last year ... until mid July when half collapsed from vine borers, and the other half succumbed to squash bugs. broke my heart! i will try these types as i am a BIG fan of bug netting and can plant a quick variety in july when squash bugs aren't laying eggs.
It seriously is *heartbreaking*. The cucumber beetles are our nemesis here and they spread disease like nobody's business. Sounds like you'd be a perfect fit for the strategy I use =) Best of luck!
Thanks for addressing the phenomenon of parthenocarpy and for including the research results. That was really helpful and is a trait I'll look for when seed shopping. We deal with squash vine borers (pssst... they're a day-flying moth, not a beetle) all summer long here in N Texas, unlike you guys up north where the SVB only has one summer generation. So, succession planting only means we have to protect our plants all season long. Again, thanks for the info. I'd love to know where you buy your seeds. Maybe make a video about your favorite suppliers? ~ Lisa
You're welcome! Thank you for pointing out my mistake referring to them as beetles. I'm woefully ignorant on insect taxonomy, although I'd like to change that eventually. This year I've been buying a lot of seeds from Johnny's and I've been very happy with them. I also quite like Tomato Grower's supply company, MiGardener, and dollarseeds.com. I'll definitely do more seed & variety-focused videos including where we buy from; it's one of my favorite topics!
we are lucky cause we don't have those cucumber beetle pests here. I didn't know about the parthe...something zucchini so thank you. We usually grow a lot of zucchini varieties that produce only male flowers
You're welcome! Unfortunately, the parthenocarpic zucchini varieties will still produce male flowers as they are not also "gynoecious" which is a common trait in parthenocarpic cucumbers. I will say both of the varieties I talked about in this video seem to produce lots of female flowers though - I have been very happy with the yield.
@Nextdoor Homestead Burpee Sure Thing hybrid. I read an article that this variety is a parth but I am doubtful. I am getting male flowers from a few plants in their infanacy. So either the article was not accurate or they dropped the wrong seeds in the packet. I am disappointed as I really wanted to see this parth in action.
I think you got it right and that's a parthenocarpic variety! It will still have male flowers as it's not gynoecious (neither is Dunja though) but the fruits should more consistently mature to a full size on the females. Cheers!
Going to order both dunja and green machine from an etsy seller and hope they're honest about the varieties they're selling, b/c it's WAY cheaper than Johnny's and I'm broke. Wish me luck!
BEST OF LUCK! Can I ask what seed seller you went with (if you don't mind sharing!)? I love recommending Johnny's but sometimes their prices just make my jaw drop.
Was warned by many people about zucchinis producing like mad... so I made the mistake of planting only ONE. The plant was actually doing great, and bugs and diseases have left it alone, but at some point it sort of tilted over and the main stem broke right underneath the few first small roots (I closely examined it and there was no sign of burrower damage or presence whatsoever). Well, to my surprise, the plant not only survived but sprouted a WHOLE NEW plant from its main stem. The older plant never produced anything and is now starting to wilt, but the new clone is now filled with zucchinis! Better late than never I guess!
Here we don't have those pesty insects héhé. And the climbing zucchini I have grown for the past years produced fruit until end of October (sown beginning of May). But it was terrible at mildew. This year I'm trying 2 new varieties (1 plant of each in my mini-garden) and am planning for 1 extra or replacement plant in the fall. Since we don't have those bugs, and because it feels less manipulated, I go with regular types 😊
I'm jealous! Pest pressure isn't terrible here but the cucumber beetles sure seem to spread disease effectively. I think powdery mildew and heat are bigger issues for us though. Cheers!
This was very helpful. We stopped growing zucchini due to pest pressure. I am trying to grow patty pan in an earth box on our deck with the hope the vine borers and squash bugs can’t find them. Next year I will try the parthenocarpic variety with netting. Have you tried the variety that was at 100% Golden Glory? Johnny has it but they don’t indicate parthenocarpic in any of their descriptions
I have not tried golden glory yet but I probably will next year. I'm not sure why, but the labeling around this trait is.... Not great. You almost have to Google around for growing trials and use that research rather than seed descriptions.
I think the answer is yes based on what little research I can find and my experience. Staking and pruning lower foliage seems to result in healthier plants and higher yields. I say this with only 'meh' confidence though - there's not a *ton* of real research on the topic (that I can find anyhow).
I haven't grown it unfortunately! I would certainly give it a shot though - I think it could work out well. I wasn't able to find what species it is though, so there's a possibility it's not a "true" zucchini (which is common amongst the vining varieties).
Is Dunja parthenocarpic regardless of the supplier? Johnnys is out of stock but I see it through other suppliers though they do not mention that they don’t need pollination on their sites.
Hey Shelly! I'd personally guess yes, but definitely shoot the seed store a quick email! I've only ever had seed companies happy to give me more info about any variety I'm interested in.
That's a good sized space for sure! What are the dimensions? And do you prefer to have them growing in a grid or more of a row layout (like in this video)?
This is excellent- think I understand finally why our garden zukes are always a fail. Thank you so much- definitely trying the green machine and dunja next year.
No problem! Was a ton of fun to make =) We've failed with zucchinis in this garden a lot too, don't give up! Some places are just much harder than others for these summer squash plants.
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Prune, prune, prune. People don't talk about zucchini pruning enough, and gardeners fall in love with their big, beautiful, but mildew-prone, leaves. Prune the leaves from the lowest before mildew spreads, leaving a healthy 6-8 leaves.
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to do some digging on squash pruning research!
I was very please to have so much info in such short video 🎉🎉 Bonjour from Montreal
So glad it was informative! Hello from the United States =)
The research papers were really interesting, I think we as small home gardeners can learn a lot from commercial farming information
Right?! So many good techniques and strategies sitting out there that never seem to make it into home garden contexts.
Glad you enjoyed it😁
This is sooooo helpful! Thank you - I had absolutely stopped growing squash in our Zone 8 South Carolina garden because of the issues you mentioned. I’m excited to try again now 🤩
Oh good! I hope next year proves more productive on the squash front =)
C Moschata represent! I'm growing the zucchinio rampicante variety on trellis arches this year.
Such a very cool plant. I wish I had the room for it!
Can I just say that learning that there are parthenocarpic zucchini really feels like a game changer for me. Already have some on my list to order for next year!
I love, love, love me some parthenocarpy. Both of the varieties in this video just crushed it for us all season long.
Thanks again, as always!
I’m loving your videos! Although the high-pitched music softly playing in the background sometimes while you’re speaking is distracting for me, I’m pressing on because I find such value in your expertise!
Thank you! So glad you're enjoying them. I need to figure out background music or drop it entirely, I know. Sorry for the annoyance!
This is excellent- think I understand finally why our garden zukes are always a fail. Thank you so much- definitely trying the green machine and dunja next year.
Thank you! What a wonderful video. Loaded with helpful information. And finally, I can try to grow zucchini again!
Thank you for watching!
I really hope you're able to get better results the next time around. Zucchini are worth it IMO 😁
amazing info! i had gorgeous zucchini last year ... until mid July when half collapsed from vine borers, and the other half succumbed to squash bugs. broke my heart! i will try these types as i am a BIG fan of bug netting and can plant a quick variety in july when squash bugs aren't laying eggs.
It seriously is *heartbreaking*. The cucumber beetles are our nemesis here and they spread disease like nobody's business. Sounds like you'd be a perfect fit for the strategy I use =)
Best of luck!
Thanks for addressing the phenomenon of parthenocarpy and for including the research results. That was really helpful and is a trait I'll look for when seed shopping. We deal with squash vine borers (pssst... they're a day-flying moth, not a beetle) all summer long here in N Texas, unlike you guys up north where the SVB only has one summer generation. So, succession planting only means we have to protect our plants all season long. Again, thanks for the info. I'd love to know where you buy your seeds. Maybe make a video about your favorite suppliers? ~ Lisa
You're welcome! Thank you for pointing out my mistake referring to them as beetles. I'm woefully ignorant on insect taxonomy, although I'd like to change that eventually.
This year I've been buying a lot of seeds from Johnny's and I've been very happy with them. I also quite like Tomato Grower's supply company, MiGardener, and dollarseeds.com. I'll definitely do more seed & variety-focused videos including where we buy from; it's one of my favorite topics!
So many news varieties of vegetables to try
Fun, right?! We love new varieties =)
I do feel for those that have trouble with zucchini. Good luck!
we are lucky cause we don't have those cucumber beetle pests here. I didn't know about the parthe...something zucchini so thank you. We usually grow a lot of zucchini varieties that produce only male flowers
You're welcome! Unfortunately, the parthenocarpic zucchini varieties will still produce male flowers as they are not also "gynoecious" which is a common trait in parthenocarpic cucumbers. I will say both of the varieties I talked about in this video seem to produce lots of female flowers though - I have been very happy with the yield.
When you mentioned parth varieties, which I am currently growing, I subbed. I need to hear more from you. Tks. Great info for home Growers.
Love it! Thank you for doing up.
What varieties do you have growing?
@Nextdoor Homestead Burpee Sure Thing hybrid. I read an article that this variety is a parth but I am doubtful. I am getting male flowers from a few plants in their infanacy. So either the article was not accurate or they dropped the wrong seeds in the packet. I am disappointed as I really wanted to see this parth in action.
I think you got it right and that's a parthenocarpic variety! It will still have male flowers as it's not gynoecious (neither is Dunja though) but the fruits should more consistently mature to a full size on the females.
Cheers!
Going to order both dunja and green machine from an etsy seller and hope they're honest about the varieties they're selling, b/c it's WAY cheaper than Johnny's and I'm broke. Wish me luck!
BEST OF LUCK! Can I ask what seed seller you went with (if you don't mind sharing!)?
I love recommending Johnny's but sometimes their prices just make my jaw drop.
Was warned by many people about zucchinis producing like mad... so I made the mistake of planting only ONE.
The plant was actually doing great, and bugs and diseases have left it alone, but at some point it sort of tilted over and the main stem broke right underneath the few first small roots (I closely examined it and there was no sign of burrower damage or presence whatsoever). Well, to my surprise, the plant not only survived but sprouted a WHOLE NEW plant from its main stem. The older plant never produced anything and is now starting to wilt, but the new clone is now filled with zucchinis! Better late than never I guess!
Here we don't have those pesty insects héhé. And the climbing zucchini I have grown for the past years produced fruit until end of October (sown beginning of May). But it was terrible at mildew. This year I'm trying 2 new varieties (1 plant of each in my mini-garden) and am planning for 1 extra or replacement plant in the fall. Since we don't have those bugs, and because it feels less manipulated, I go with regular types 😊
I'm jealous! Pest pressure isn't terrible here but the cucumber beetles sure seem to spread disease effectively. I think powdery mildew and heat are bigger issues for us though.
Cheers!
Fun fact: Dunja is pronounced as Doo-nyah, the “n” is pronounced like the Spanish “ñ” and it means quince 😊
Thank you! I shouldn't be surprised that I butchered another variety name I suppose - seems to happen a lot 0_o.
This was very helpful. We stopped growing zucchini due to pest pressure. I am trying to grow patty pan in an earth box on our deck with the hope the vine borers and squash bugs can’t find them. Next year I will try the parthenocarpic variety with netting. Have you tried the variety that was at 100% Golden Glory? Johnny has it but they don’t indicate parthenocarpic in any of their descriptions
I have not tried golden glory yet but I probably will next year. I'm not sure why, but the labeling around this trait is.... Not great. You almost have to Google around for growing trials and use that research rather than seed descriptions.
Great information. I have issues with vine borer. Will this work with that pest?
Insect netting can definitely work against vine borers and tromboncino may work as well. I'd say both are worth a try 😁
Does pruning do anything to aid in squash production? Removing diseased leaves, over lapping leaves? Thanks for the great video by the way.
I think the answer is yes based on what little research I can find and my experience. Staking and pruning lower foliage seems to result in healthier plants and higher yields. I say this with only 'meh' confidence though - there's not a *ton* of real research on the topic (that I can find anyhow).
@@NextdoorHomestead Thank you for actually answering questions. I love MiGardner! The seeds are priced well too.
@@dogmama2many You're quite welcome! I always enjoy sitting down in the evening and talking to folks about their garden a bit =)
What do you think about Escalator a vining zuc?
I haven't grown it unfortunately! I would certainly give it a shot though - I think it could work out well. I wasn't able to find what species it is though, so there's a possibility it's not a "true" zucchini (which is common amongst the vining varieties).
Is Dunja parthenocarpic regardless of the supplier? Johnnys is out of stock but I see it through other suppliers though they do not mention that they don’t need pollination on their sites.
Hey Shelly! I'd personally guess yes, but definitely shoot the seed store a quick email! I've only ever had seed companies happy to give me more info about any variety I'm interested in.
can seed saving still be done with f1 hybrids?
Unfortunately no. I know that's a deal breaker for some, so I tried to include some info on Tromboncino in there.
Cheers,
How many would you recommend for 15 square meter garden?
That's a good sized space for sure! What are the dimensions? And do you prefer to have them growing in a grid or more of a row layout (like in this video)?
New sub here. Ten year hardened who… apparently knows less than she should 😙
I'm sure you have tons to teach! Researching varieties like these has become a bit of a hobby for us and I love talking (at length...) about them ;)
This is excellent- think I understand finally why our garden zukes are always a fail. Thank you so much- definitely trying the green machine and dunja next year.
No problem! Was a ton of fun to make =)
We've failed with zucchinis in this garden a lot too, don't give up! Some places are just much harder than others for these summer squash plants.