Can one of you experienced gardeners tell me why all of the longer
stems that run along the ground from my zucchini plants (i.e., those
that are longer and extend out from the main plant to form new
leaves)are turning brown and stringy looking? It is almost like these
longer stems are rotting on the ground. Too much water? Too little
water? Fungus? So far we have only put water and fertilizer on them.
We live in Wilmington, NC, and the soil here is sandy and has a pH
near 7.

Thanks.