Squash (Summer) Growing Guide

Cucurbita pepo

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) ●

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 11" (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 11" (60cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Keep plantings small, to fewer than a dozen plants. Different types of summer squash help pollinate one another because they are of the same species.

Harvesting

Harvest summer squash when they are young and tender, before the rinds begin to harden. Use a knife to cut fruits from the plants.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Squash (Summer)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail

Squash Bug

Squash Vine Borer

Plant Diseases which Affect Squash (Summer)

Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Squash Bacterial Wilt

Squash Blossom Blight

Squash Downy Mildew

Squash Powdery Mildew