Dave&Dana Gaunky wrote:
This is my first season growing zuccinni, black beauty variety. It's now
about 8 inches tall and the foiliage is looking great, and earlier this
morning I noticed what appeared to be some flower buds starting low on the
main stem. My Q is is this normal, and will the little zucc's be blander
because of it? Thanks for the help.

Since growing zukes is new to you, beware of the dreaded (make that
most annoying) squash bug, aka stinkbug. By the time you are
familiar with it you'll likely have a few other choice names for
these miserable stinking creatures. If not controlled they'll kill
your plants in a matter of 2 weeks at most. Watch along the stalks
ans *especially* under the leaves for small clusters of tiny light
brown eggs, amybe 40 or so in the cluster which will have an overall
size of about a dime. Pick that patch off and squish it between
your fingers. Keep an eye for them - DAILY! Thats how to control
the eggs, now for the adults. They are really hard to locate so
take your hose and water the plants (all leaves etc) real good for
between 5 & 10 secs. Then watch for them to get out of the water by
climbing the stalk. Quickly grab them and squish them between the
fingers. They stink like hell but its the most effective means I've
found so far. Do this DAILY also, maybe even twice a day. If you
don't you'll be surprised how fast they can devestate the plants.

I don't know for sure where they come from or where they go to but I
know for a fact they'll kill your plants unless you control them.
I've tried onions, garlic, marigolds etc by mine to no effect. I've
tried the shingle thing too where they are supposed to hide under
shingles layed on the ground and you move them and catch the bugs -
NOT!, no way Jose! I like Diazinon but refuse to use it on edible
plants so the water trick is what works for me the very best. The
squash bugs and I have a daily battle every summer, all summer. I
get the zukes but overall I think the battle is a standoff, nobody
wins totally sigh. I stil wonder why god created the damned
things - the bugs of course?

BTW, I tried waht a friend recommended, that being to take a Q-tip
in the early AM when the flowers are open, lightly rub it around
inside the male flower, then rub it around inside the female flower.
It definately txfrs the pollen but I didn't note my yield being
any greater than in the years I didn't do it so I quit. Its a good
method of looking for those lousy bugs thoughVBG!!!