Why are my zucchini getting mushy before they grow more than a few inches long?

I'll be another to suggest too much water. My mom had the same problem early in the season. The flowers were molding and the fruit got really gross and rotten. If you water too much, it's easy for the plants to get taken by fungal and bacterial infections and rot. Good luck! Hope you get some fruit soon!

Maybe the area doesn't have good drainage and you could be watering too much. How much of the water is staying on the ground after you water the zucchini?

Way too much water. Use wod chips or any type of mulch piled around the base of the plant to retain the water. I water mine twice a week if it doesn't rain. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~

maybe there is some problem with the quality of soil used to plant your zucchini,there are probably certain substances in the soil which will do harm to the zucchini.and maybe the whethere is to dry,and your plant cann't get enough nutriton from the air and soil,so it becomes yellow-brown and mushy. I am really not sure about that for I am not skilled at planting,but still hope my words will be helpful to you! hope your zucchini will get better,all the best to you!

Hi Julie I can't be sure but maybe you are watering too much. Try mulching the plants to hold in the water so you can water less. Do you live in a dry or humid climate? You can tell when they need water because the plant will droop. Good luck.