Growing Squash
The Secrets of Growing Squash
Growing squash is an excellent way to exercise your green thumb and raise some very edible fruits.
Summer squash are bushy, large plants. Their fruit can be harvested when they are still not mature, and have softer skins. The fruit can then be safely stored for up to two weeks, without losing its flavor. The types of summer squash most familiar to most people are scallop, straightneck, croosneck and Zucchini.
Winter type growing squash is a large plant that grows in vine form. Several have been modified to a partial-bush type variety, so it's easier for home gardeners to grow. The fruit is not harvested until the fruit is mature. You can store winter squash in a dark, cool place for up to six months. Varieties of winter squash include hubbard, butternut, buttercup and acorn.
Both types of squash will do better in well-draining and fertile soil with a high level of organic matter. You can work compost or manure into the soil, if there isn't enough organic matter in there already. If you are not going to test the soil to determine the amount of organic matter needed, then apply a general fertilizer before you plant your growing squash.
Winter and summer squash are usually planted on hills. You will want to sow four or five seeds in each hill, and plant them about an inch down. Then cull your plants down to a couple well-placed seedlings on each hill as soon as they have one or two leaves. You will want to plant summer squash by July 20, and winter squash by June 10.
If you would like to harvest an early crop, start your plants indoors, about four weeks before your normal outdoor planting time. The seedlings of growing squash do not tolerate disturbances of the root, so put them in peat pots so you can transfer pot and all when it's time to transplant them outdoors.
Sow three or four seeds in each pot, and later on, remove any but the hardiest-looking two seedlings. To lessen the stress from transplanting, harden the seedlings outdoors for a couple days in an area that's protected.
Rows and hills of growing squash should be spaced four feet apart. With winter squash, five to seven feet will work better. Control weeds by pulling them by hand, and water your plants about once a week if you experience dry weather.
Squash vine borers and bugs can seriously harm your seedlings. If they feed enough, they will cause the plants to brown and die. To control these pests, you can remove them by hand from the underside of plants. You can also trap them under shingles or boards, and then crush them.
Harvest summer squash when they have soft skins, and edible, soft seeds. Winter squash can be harvested when they have a dull outer appearance and are firm to the touch.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and plant more for the following year. They're sure to brighten up your dishes.