Squash (Summer) Growing Guide

Cucurbita pepo

Squash (Summer)

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 personalised 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.

Troubleshooting

Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Squash (Summer)