[3759allen]

hi all. i've had a search through the site for marrow problems and can't find one similar to my problem so hoping some of you can help.

the plants are huge and look really healthy. i'm growing them in the polytunnel, so plenty of heat and light with no wind.

the problem i'm having is some of the fruits are getting to about 2 inches long and then just seem to be rotting and falling off. some are growing more and looking ok, is this something to be worried about? or a blessing in disguise so the other healthy fruit will have more energy to reach full size?

also do i have to hand pollinate, or if the female flowers don't get pollinated will they just grow but without fertile seeds inside (which doesn't bother me).

thanks in advance

[mumofstig]

It's usually because the flowers didn't get pollinated properly.
Are you leaving the doors open so that bees etc can get in to the flowers? If not then you have to hand pollinate or get no fruit that grow to maturity.

[Beetroot queen]

I occasionally get the first courgettes drop off i just thought t was the plant having a dry run 

Good job i am not the only one to ask. 

[NewSteve]

We've had this with courgettes. Some fruits rot, others grow to be big and healthy! We have plenty to eat anyway so it's not a problem 

[pdblake]

I often get this with courgettes too. The first few always seem to give up the ghost, then suddenly you can't move for them

[3759allen]

thanks for all the quick replies.

most of the time the doors are open, just not on overcast days when i just the vents are open.

i did start hand pollinating but now the plants are even bigger it's hard trying to find a way to the flowers. knowing me i'll prob lose my balance a fall on top of them all

i think i will try to hand pollinate again, maybe the ones that i can get too easily and compare results for the future.

at least it's looking like it's not a disaster.

thanks again.

[mumofstig]

as long as it's warmer than 10/12C I wouldn't close the doors at all - unless you are growing something suited to the tropics, all the normal stuff copes with those temperatures quite well 

[DD.]

Could possibly be too warm. I wouldn't contemplate growing marrows indoors.

[3759allen]

i am trialing melons in there, but i'd rather everything else grow well and not them so i'll try keeping the doors open unless it gets cold.

how much water do the marrows need? not sure if i've been over watering.

sorry for all the questions, still new to all this growing malarky.

[seaside]

i am trialing melons in there, but i'd rather everything else grow well and not them so i'll try keeping the doors open unless it gets cold.

You could always fleece your melons while the doors are open. it seems to be working for my all female flower only cucumbers.
As for hand pollinating, I have found it a bit hit and miss early on, but then I don't think my technique is the greatest