Question From: K. Gish - Troy, Michigan, United States
Q: Good Morning Nancy! I've grown vegetable gardens for years, but this is the first year at a new location. We tore out old shrubbery and created a sunny spot. The garden was doing very well all spring and summer, until about two weeks ago or so. Now, it seems that the growth of the actual vegetables on some of the plants has stopped. The cucumbers in particular have a few small ones on them, but in an entire week they have not grown beyond their baby 1-2" size. One cucumber that started out growing, also has stopped at about 4" long and is deformed. The plants seem healthy and continue to grow; and I provide enough water and fertilizer. Have you ever seen anything like this, and do you know what I can do to help the plants produce? Could this have anything to do with the lack of honeybees this year? Thank you so much for any advice you can provide!
A: Kathy, plants shut down the production of fruit in high heat and there is nothing to be done but pray for cooler seater. Eighty degrees would be perfect. Keep them watered and do not fertilize now. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
