[shokkyy]

This year I tried planting some courgettes on top of one of my compost bins, as an experiment. They've been very vigorous and strong but a total failure when it comes to fruit. They've put off a huge amount of leaf but not much fruit, and most of that has rotted. Whereas my courgette plants in a bed and in the tunnel have less leaf but are fruiting well. It's like they've got a nitrogen overload or something. I've tried seaweed foliar feed but it didn't seem to make any difference. It's actually kind of hard to put any feed on top of the bin/compost because there's so much leaf you can't actually see it any more. Any ideas?

[mobilekat]

Be nasty to them- chop off some leaves and give them some stress!

They should then respond by fruiting as 'survival mode' kicks in!

[surbie100]

Be nasty to them- chop off some leaves and give them some stress!

They should then respond by fruiting as 'survival mode' kicks in!

Does that work on plants that are 'underperforming' a bit too? I have one plant that is a little meek.

[arugula]

Don't give up on the principle of it shokkyy, we will get a summer again and its a great way to grow courgettes. I've noticed the same vigorous growth with little flower and or fruit in many plants- veg or not - in our garden this year.

[GrannieAnnie]

Best courgettes I ever had were the ones I grew on my compost bin about 3 years ago.  I think its the weather this past couple of years.

This time around my courgettes have their own space, and although slow to start are going mad now!

[arugula]

Best courgettes I ever had were the ones I grew on my compost bin ..

Same here, if my previous post didn't actually say as much.

[shokkyy]

OK, I'll try giving them a haircut and see what they think of that.

[sunshineband]

I have grown a squash on mine (dudhi) and it is romping away with masses of fruit setting. Quite surprised as it is a variety from India, and I wondered how it would cope this year