yellow leaves on squash plants - Ask Extension
So, we've changed our garden environment to be ground cloth and pebbles under water troughs filled with lovely soil. It's very easy to tend and water...
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yellow leaves on squash plants #873276
Asked June 15, 2024, 7:40 PM EDT
So, we've changed our garden environment to be ground cloth and pebbles under water troughs filled with lovely soil. It's very easy to tend and water but I've noticed the squash plants have yellowish leaves. Why and what should I do? I may be over tending...thank you
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Nan,
Thank you for contacting us about your squash plants. If I understand you correctly, your raised beds are sitting directly on pebbles that are underlaid with landscape fabric. If this is the case, the first thing I suggest is to make sure that any excess water in the beds drains freely away from the beds. If the water stays directly under the beds it will not move satisfactorily.
My second thought is that the soil mixture in the beds may be retaining too much moisture. When watering, the moisture should reach about 2 inches deep where most of the plant roots will be. The soil should dry slightly in between watering, and it's usually best to test this with your finger. If it feels cool and moist a couple of inches down, wait a little longer before watering. An organic mulch such as clean straw makes a good mulch to maintain even soil moisture and prevent evaporation.
A third possibility is that the squash is not getting enough nutrients. Are you fertilizing and are you following the directions for how much and how often? Keep in mind that too much is just as bad as too little.
If you need to write back, please include a photo of the entire bed as well as a close up of the plant. You might also tell us what kind of soil mixture you are using in the beds. The texture (tilth) is not always the best way to assess the soil.
We are always happy to help. Good luck!
Thank you for contacting us about your squash plants. If I understand you correctly, your raised beds are sitting directly on pebbles that are underlaid with landscape fabric. If this is the case, the first thing I suggest is to make sure that any excess water in the beds drains freely away from the beds. If the water stays directly under the beds it will not move satisfactorily.
My second thought is that the soil mixture in the beds may be retaining too much moisture. When watering, the moisture should reach about 2 inches deep where most of the plant roots will be. The soil should dry slightly in between watering, and it's usually best to test this with your finger. If it feels cool and moist a couple of inches down, wait a little longer before watering. An organic mulch such as clean straw makes a good mulch to maintain even soil moisture and prevent evaporation.
A third possibility is that the squash is not getting enough nutrients. Are you fertilizing and are you following the directions for how much and how often? Keep in mind that too much is just as bad as too little.
If you need to write back, please include a photo of the entire bed as well as a close up of the plant. You might also tell us what kind of soil mixture you are using in the beds. The texture (tilth) is not always the best way to assess the soil.
We are always happy to help. Good luck!
