Zucchini School Drop out

You may remember (or if you don't, take a peek at this link http://www.sarassmile.net/2009/05/mary-mary-quite-contrary-how-does-your.html ) that we planted ourselves a garden this year. I envisioned salsa made fresh from my garden, sweet peas and carrots for lunch, and so many green beans I would be forced to can, freeze, give away, and squander their bounty.

Some of this is true. The peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and jalapeno peppers get an "A" for exceptional growth and good listening skills. The beans, while late bloomers, should render me almost what I was hoping for. The bell peppers are a total flop. But the zucchini plants...

I don't know what's wrong with them. By that I mean I go out, am disappointed in their results, and walk away. I haven't consulted anyone or any resource as to why they are flopping. I'm a new gardener, remember? And a lazy one too.

The plant itself is barely pulling a "C" grade. It's small for a squash plant but looks healthy. The problem is in food production. I get beautiful flowers and about half the time that's all they do. Flower and no zucchini. Is this a pollination problem? Do they all do this? Who knows?

The real problem occurs when zucchini do start to grow. They look great, grow about four inches, turn yellow, shrivel, and fall off the plant. At this point their only use is for Dane to carry them around, alternatively poking and flinging them. We have had two reach an eatable size but the rest die long before then. What's the deal? Right now I have five little baby ones on there and I get so excited and the kids get so excited and I think about getting to give a zucchini to the new neighbors and two days later they are lying on the ground, ready to be used as Danish weapons. Does anyone out there have a suggestion for the "F" zucchinis??



New blog related stuff: I hired a gal to do a bunch of fancy stuff to my blog. I can't wait! I don't know how long it will take but everything I've seen of hers is great so I'm excited.

Also, I have a new domain name. It's www.sarassmile.net. (Please note the two "s" in the middle of the name.) It won't be up for 2-3 days and my old domain address will link to the new one so you can still use www.gregsarajones.blogspot.com.

I need a new camera. I am missing mine and need pictures for this blog. I'm trying to decide between a point and shoot or a fancier SLR. Any thoughts?

Motherhood calls.