Summer squash (Curcurbita pepo) can be grown just about anywhere during warm, frost-free seasons. Although there are many types of squash, summer squash has its name because harvest should occur before the rind hardens and the fruit matures. The entire fruit can be eaten if harvested early enough.
When to Plant
Plant summer squash from seed anytime after the danger of frost has passed. In fact, in many locations, gardeners plan two crops: one for early summer and another for fall harvest.
How to Plant
Prepare the soil well by breaking up all clods and compacted areas. Work in compost and then spread two to three pounds of organic fertilizer per 100 square feet of gardening area. For mound planting, build mounds about a foot high and separated from each other by three to four feet. Flatten the top of the mound and create a “dish” in the top. This will help in irrigation later.
On the top of each mound, mix in some organic fertilizer (a couple of tablespoons). Sow four or five seeds about an inch deep, and then water well. Be careful that the water does not disturb the soil around the seeds.
Care of Squash Plants
In about a week, the seedlings should have sprouted. At this point, each mound should be sporting several seedlings. These are all in competition with each other for water and nutrients. Remove all but one of the seedlings from each mound. For plant lovers, this is a difficult, but necessary thing to do. Failing to remove all but one seedling will ensure none of the seedlings will survive.
Mulch well around each remaining seedling. This will help conserve water, and keep the ground at a more constant temperature.
Weed around the plants until they get large enough to shade out everything but the most pernicious of weeds. Water regularly.
Pollination of Squash
Squash plants have male and female flowers. For fruit to set, pollen must be transferred from the male to the female flower. Pollinating insects generally perform this function. The primary pollinator is the bee, but bee colony decline has interfered with pollination in some areas.
Some gardeners pollinate their squash by hand.
Harvesting Squash
Summer squash develop very quickly after they are pollinated. As a result, people tend to leave them on the plant too long. Instead, pick squash when they are small and tender. Long types of summer squash, like zucchini, crookneck or straightneck are best harvested when they are two inches or less in diameter. In fact, they should be ready to harvest four to eight days after flowering. Other flattened types of summer squash including Peter Pan, white bush scallop, and Gourmet Globe should be picked when about four inches in diameter.
Squash Problems
Squash are susceptible to several insects and diseases.
- Cucumber Beetles attack seedlings, the vines and the fruit. Straw mulch helps keep the beetles from walking from plant to plant. Parasitic wasps are effective.
- Squash bugs are difficult to control. However, picking the bugs and their eggs and larvae from the plants and destroying them is very effective. Remove debris (not mulch) from around plants.
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