Karen Kenny on courgettes and French beans
Karen Kenny, an allotment expert with the , answers your questions about courgettes and French beans. If you have a similar story to share, you can add your comments at the bottom of this entry. You need to register first, which only takes two minutes.
Lara Cullenaine from Southampton asks: I planted all the seeds and they have all come on really well. But now problems are starting to appear. My courgettes and French beans are out in my veg patch and were doing well. However, now they have brown patches all over them, they're crispy and they look like they're dying.
Answer: Well we do have the squash bug in Britain now which could be the cause. It is very similar to the shield bugs we know and love, so have a look and see if you see any of those about. I doubt you will, but we must be ever alert with our climate changing. Always water courgettes around the base, on to the soil, not over the plants which may get scorched. Also, if you have been remiss in keeping any of your plants well watered then dryness could well be the cause.
Roger Mosey from Llanelli asks: My courgettes plants seem to have stopped growing. I've potted them into individual pots and hardened them off in a sheltered part of the garden. They are about 2 inches in height.
Answer: This is probably a weather problem the possibility of cold nights after warm days is confusing to plants. Perhaps consider a little protection with cut-down plastic bottles (rings, no tops). This will also afford them some protection from marauding snails. Keep moist but not overwatered.
Carol from Bedford asks: I planted the French bean seeds weeks ago and so far have only 1 that is showing. Is there any hope of a crop this year? What could I have done wrong?
Answer: I am sure you have done nothing wrong, some more may emerge yet. And if not, plant a few more. There is still time for beans. We tend to have late summer sunshine so don't despair, try again. Watch out for mice too.
If anyone else has had similar with growing the Dig In veg, add your comments below.
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