Read and follow manufacturer s label carefully. The vines should be trained as they develop to make it easier to weed the planting and harvest the crop. Do not step on the ends of the vines because this will lower the yield. A common problem with summer squash is the rotting of the blossom end of the fruit. This is called blossom-end rot.
Symptoms are a dark-colored dry rot of the blossom ends of the fruit.
Blossom-end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruit. It may be an indication that calcium is lacking in the soil or that the plant does not have the ability to take up adequate amounts of calcium from the soil. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of materials such as grass clippings, pine straw and leaves. Mulching prevents rapid soil drying and allows roots to take up available calcium efficiently. Do not overfertilize plants with nitrogen or potash.