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Cucumbers/Courgettes

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  • Hi,

    Compared with last year my courgettes are fruiting well this year. (See Photo),

    My question is, is the amount of foliage I have normal? this pic is from 1 week ago and now the leaves are even taller.

    Would the plants benefit from cutting off some leaves and also some of the male flower stems?

    In other words: would I have more fruit if I did trim a little.?

     

    Thanks

    image

     

     

  • ItalophileItalophile Posts: 1,731

    Andrew, it's worth looking at why the extensive foliage. Are you feeding the plants? If you are, and with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, you'd be encouraging leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

  • Thanks crazycat, that is a very useful tip as I have wondered how to do this image

  • Italophile

     

    Yes, I am using nettle juice. I believe this is very high in nitrogen so it looks like I'm using the wrong feed.

    I have some pot ash made from burnt wood and also a tomato feed, which would be the best?

     

    Also what is nettle juice best for?

     

    Thanks

  • Italophile

     

    Yes, I am using nettle juice. I believe this is very high in nitrogen so it looks like I'm using the wrong feed.

    I have some pot ash made from burnt wood and also a tomato feed, which would be the best?

     

    Thanks

  • Italophile wrote (see)

    Andrew, it's worth looking at why the extensive foliage. Are you feeding the plants? If you are, and with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, you'd be encouraging leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

    Oh dear! I have given them 2 soakings with nettle liquid fertiliser (also tomatos and pumpkins!)

    Would a potash feed be better (made from bonfire wood) or a tomato feed?

    I suppose nettle liquid would be best on brassicas then?

     

    Thanks

  • hello i have been very lucky with my courgette plants we have had abundance of courgette there growing faster then we can eat them but my cucumbers are failing to flower but then the heads drop off there in the greenhouse so i dont know why we dont normaly have a problem any tips

  • Matty2Matty2 Posts: 4,817

    Hi Margaret7

    just seen your post. Yes!! Success!!image

    Hope you have lots.image

     

    I just use general vegetable feed, don't know its ins and outs but seems to work. have used tomato liquid feed as well

  • Thanks Matty, and as my grandson is visiting today for a couple of weeks, he too will thank you as these are his favourites.He is only 10 and loves pottering around the garden with me, and after having three sons who have shown no interest- this is a pure delight for me.image

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