Salvage roting plants

• 1). Remove any squash with black discolorations on the blossom end or fruit that is premature with thickened, slightly wrinkled skin, undersized and inedible.
  
  
• 2). Provide consistent water to your ailing summer squash plants so new fruit sets and develops properly. Blossom-end rot often develops when a plant is stressed by excessive changes in the level of moisture it receives as the fruit is setting and developing, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Summer squash should be watered regularly so the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches. But take care not to over water as root rot can occur.
  
  
• 3). If you experience blossom-end rot for multiple seasons, send a sample of the soil to your local cooperative extension office for testing. Add lime and organic amendments as needed, advises Clemson University Extension. The addition of lime and organic materials to the soil helps improve the plants' ability to absorb calcium. Michigan State University Extension notes that though not as effective as when tilled into the soil before planting, lime can be added to the top 1 to 2 inches of soil around established vegetables. Take care not to disturb the roots of your summer squash.
  
  
• 4). Mulch your summer squash plants with 2 to 3 inches of grass (from an untreated lawn), straw or dry leaves. Mulch prevents the soil from drying out too rapidly and allows the plants to better take up calcium.