Knowledgebase
Sad squash plants #885461
Asked September 16, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Stacey,
You did not say when you planted the squashes but I assume they've been in the ground for a while. There are several pests that can affect squash. I am providing several links for you to check out. See below. I don't think you have any of these pests. We have had a very dry, hot summer and we are now past the middle of September. Given that, your plants look good. You are doing nothing wrong. When I checked delicata squash, depending on variety, they can be up to 100 days to maturity. That can explain the slow growth.
You may want to add some slow release fertilizer (10:10:10 Nitrogen Phosphorus K (potassium)) . Compost is good but as the plants grow they use up the nutrients in the compost.
Happy Gardening!
Sabine
https://extension.psu.edu/insect-pests-affecting-squash-plants