Just a couple of plants will keep your kitchen stocked with this versatile veggie all summer long.
Whichever pop in of summer squash you grow, keep in mind that its a warm-weather crop.
you oughta wait for balmy spring weather to plant it.
Credit: Christopher Hirsheimer
In terms of pH, the plants are adaptable and grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
It is very important to match the summer squash variety to your available space.
Also take into consideration neighboring plants and pair summer squash withsuitable companion plants.
Credit: Christopher Hirsheimer
Crowded plants set the scene for disease and pest problems.
This is recommended for cooler climates as it gives you a head start on the growing season.
To plant seeds outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed up and any danger of frost is past.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Summer squash can be planted in rows or mounds.
Vine-punch in summer squash needs considerably more space than bush types.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 4 to 6 inches apart in a row.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
To plant seeds in mounded hills, create a small soil mound about 2 feet in diameter.
Space mounds 2 feet apart.
Sow five or six seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in each hill.
Credit: Scott Little
When seedlings are 4 to 6 inches tall, thin to the two strongest plants.
The exact spacing depends on the variety; confirm to check the seed packages for details.
Have thetrellis for vine-punch in varietiesin place before planting to avoid damaging the tender roots of the seedlings.
Summer Squash Care Tips
Summer squash is one of the easiest vegetables to grow.
And it is notoriously prolific, too.
Light
Choose a planting site that receives at least8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Credit: Janet Mesic-Mackie
Soil and Water
Plant summer squash in rich, loose, well-drained soil.
Watering the squash regularly and deeply in the absence of frequent rainfall is crucial.
Don’t spray water directly on the foliage, as this encourages the spreading of fungal diseases.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Spread a2-inch layer of mulchover the root zone to prevent soil moisture loss.
Temperature and Humidity
Summer squash is a warm-weather vegetable.
Fertilizer
Even if you grow summer squash in rich, fertile soil, it will need fertilizer.
Pruning
Especially vine-punch in varieties easily outgrow their designated space.
Also ensure not to use any insecticides that could kill beneficial pollinating insects.
Potting and Repotting Summer Squash
Compact bush-key in summer squashes are suitable to be grown in containers.
Use a heavyweight container that is at least 1 foot wide and deep.
Fill it with well-draining potting mix and a few handfuls of compost.
Water container-grown squash at least daily, up to twice in hot summer weather.
As summer squash is an annual, repotting is not necessary.
Pests and Problems
Summer squash is commonly affected by pests.
Keep an eye out forsquash vine borers,squash bugs,cucumber beetles, aphids, and whiteflies.
Potential diseases include powdery mildew, squash blossom blight, cucumber bacterial wilt, and mosaic viruses.
Pattypan or scallop squashes are best when they are 3 inches in diameter.
Check plants daily because the squashes grow quickly in warm weather.
Pick the squashes when it’s possible for you to easily pierce the skin with your fingernail.
Overmature fruit has a harder skin.
If you miss some fruit, harvest them as soon as you discover them.
The more you harvest, the more the plants will bear.
The compact plants grow 24 to 36 inches wide and 24 to 30 inches high.
The bumpy, creamy yellow skin.
It has a bushy growth habit, reaching only 12 to 24 inches in height.
50 days to maturity
Pattypan Squash
This tasty summer squash is known for its flying saucer-like shape.
It comes in beautiful white, yellow, and orange colors.
The vigorous plant is quite productive.
The flowers of this tasty squash with a nutty flavor and firm texture are also edible.
The plant is a compact bush.
The compact plants have an open habit which makes harvesting easy.
Kids will also love making the garden pretty with the marigolds that flank the bed’s edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zucchini is a bang out of summer squash.
Generally, 1 to 2 plants yield sufficient produce for a family of four.
