I hope I'm wrong, but it sounds like either squash vine borers or root knot nematodes. Or the weather, or a combination.

Good luck- I hope they rally.

I would go with the root knot nematodes. Is it possible to try them in a different area or in a raised container, such as a barre? Fresh dirt might make a difference. At least then you will know....

Susie

Although what is said above could be correct, it could be several things. One may be the types you plant, and the other is the ideal time to plant this vegetable. The best time for both squash and cucumbers is in March. The second time would be September. Since both of these are relatively quick producers, say 60 days, you can get a crop at both times. I just think any other time of the year is tough on these vegetables. Another thing that I have noticed is the Zukes do much better over the standard crook neck squash in this heat. spagetti squash does good here along as you understand it is a vine plant and will take up a lot of space. The best choice for a cucumber in the desert is the Armenian cucumber. It takes like a sweet cucumber and is quite crunchy. It is this way, because in actuality, it is a member of the melon family. So if you are trying to save any of your melon seeds for next year, do not plant this vegetable.

When you're finished with the plant, pull it up and take a look at the roots - you can check and see from them if you have root nematodes; the roots will look twisted and knobby. I've also heard that marigolds (very easy to grow from seed) will deter them, if indeed that is the problem. With the borer, you should be able to find where the borer entered, below the die-back.

Take a look at this page, it might help you. The whole page has good info on diseases that you find here and might give you more clues.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Root nematodes

Always glad to see bucks posts. Have learned a lot from him about vegetables. He is right about the Armenian Cucumber. It thrives and produces in our summers. You will be giving these away to anyone who will take them!

Thanks for your kind messages. I have sent a sample of a dying squash and some soil to the Extension service at the U of A in Tucson. Hopefully, I can get an answer from them about what is going on. I will try planting some of the varieties you have suggested and see what happens.

Just a followup...I got a response from the U of A and found out my soil has too much salt so the senstive cukes and squash are dying because of it. She suggested leaching the soil with a good dose of water. Who would have thought??

That's actually a pretty good suggestion for a lot of what we grow here. Salts tend to build up in our soil. Deep watering will help to flush the salts away from the roots of the plants.

Check out the FAQ section for more information on watering, and the U of A Extension website for other good info.

Interesting - what was that area before? Leaching is a good thing, ammending with compost will also help. I'd also recommend harvesting rainwater to use as often as possible - it's about the only water we have that doesn't have the salt content. One last thing, you might want to switch your area around if that's the same place you have been growing stuff for a long time.

Glad you got a reason for your trouble - now you can have your bounty!

I built two new raised bed gardens last year by nailing 4" by 48" and 4" by 24" pieces of redwood together in a large rectangle three feet high. Then I filled them with organic soil. I think I haven't been watering deep enough so the salt accumulated in the top soil. We live in south Chandler and I know our water has been tested as very hard. Any more suggestions are always appreciated!