[missmoneypenny]

I have 5 plants on the allotment. They were doing really well, then I went on holiday on the 25 th July for 2 weeks. On my return there were the statutory giant marrows, seven of them. I rewmoved them but I have noticed there are very few baby fruit now. Is it all over for the courgettes, or can they be encouraged to start producing again? I’m in London and it was very hot while I was away, I think  my cousin may have watered them once only.

[JayG]

Try giving them a liquid feed if you haven't done already - they might get going again having been relieved of their heavy burden!

[missmoneypenny]

Thanks will do. I have some comfrey feed, hopefully that will do the job.

[mumofstig]

Although comfrey feed is good for things that are already growing well, IMO it wouldn't be enough to give them a good enough boost, as it is quite low in nutrient levels according to the tables..

NPK Nutritional Values of Animal Manures & Compost Etc.

I prefer one of the liquid fertilisers with added seaweed  for things that need an extra boost, though.

[Mr Dog]

I suspect they'll get going again once they realise that they haven't actually reached their goal of reproducing.

[oldgrunge]

Agree with MrDog. Had the same problem with greenhouse cucumbers a couple of years ago. Came back from holiday to find neighbour had left cucumbers to become enormous. Cut them off and fed the plants, and in a couple of weeks they started producing again. But they were never as productive as previously.

[missmoneypenny]

I have some tomato feed, would that be more suitable?

[mumofstig]

Perfick!