Say goodbye to store-bought squash and hello to the satisfaction of harvesting your fresh produce right from your backyard. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just starting, my guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate healthy, thriving squash plants.
So, how to grow summer squash? Start by choosing a suitable variety. Pick an area in the garden with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil with much organic matter. Dig 1 inch if you use seedlings and 5 inches if you use seeds. Water them once weekly while ensuring that you do not cause any waterlogging.
Nevertheless, caring for them can get messy without proper knowledge. As a professional gardener for about ten years now, I will share all the secrets with you here so the growing process becomes more manageable for you. Let’s start.
Bush Vs. Vining: Choosing the Right Variety For Your Garden Space
Regarding the varieties available for summer squash, the space in your garden for these veggies is crucial. Depending on the space you can provide them, you must choose between brush and vining varieties.
Each type has advantages and considerations, especially regarding space utilization in your garden. Let’s check them out.
Bush Variety
Bush summer squash varieties are tiny and ideal for gardens with limited space or gardening in pots. If you have a small space in your garden to grow squash, you should prioritize this variety.
Furthermore, bush squash plants usually need less support and trimming than vine-growing squash plants. Because they are small, they are easy to harvest and care for. On the other hand, you will get results faster than vining varieties.
Here are some examples of bush variety squash;
- Yellow Crookneck Squash
- Dark Green Zucchini
- Eight Ball Squash
- Gold Rush Zucchini
- Yellow Scallop Squash (Pattypan)
Vining Variety
I recommend the vining variety if you prioritize more yield and have ample garden space. Even though they have a more extended harvest period than bush, they yield larger veggies.
Furthermore, if you have limited horizontal space as they grow, they can be grown vertically, such as in trellises. This is significant in keeping pests away from the squash as they are way above the ground.
Lastly, vining squash plants naturally have better airflow around the leafy parts, which can help lower the risk of fungal diseases.
Some examples of the vining variety include;
- Black Beauty Zucchini
- Butternut Squash
- Delicata Squash
- Spaghetti Squash
Where Should I Plant Summer Squash in My Garden?
There are two main factors when selecting a spot in your garden to grow summer squash: soil and the hours of sunlight available.
For sunshine, pick a spot that gets complete sunshine, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Summer squash does best when it’s warm and sunny, so giving it lots of sunshine will help it grow and produce fruit.
For soil, summer squash grows best in soil that drains well. Furthermore, it should have a lot of organic matter. Before planting summer squash, add compost or aged manure to the dirt to improve its structure and give it nutrients. Too much water in heavy clay soil can cause root rot, so don’t plant in that soil.
How to Plant Summer Squash in My Garden
Once you have decided on the variety of summer squash you want and the spot in your garden, it’s time to plant them. If you use summer squash seedlings, dig holes slightly more significant than the plants’ root balls.
What I mean by that is you should dig a hole that is about 6-7 inches wide and 7-8 inches deep if your summer squash plant has a root ball that is 2 inches across and 5 inches tall
On the other hand, if you are using seeds, plant them directly into the garden soil, about 1 inch deep. While most people argue that that 1-inch depth isn’t enough, I have tried it as an experienced gardener, and it works.
However, remember to plant the seeds in rows or hills about 2 to 3 feet apart. You can put two or three in each hole to ensure the seeds grow.
How To Water Summer Squash
Watering your summer squash correctly is one of the most essential factors for receiving healthy veggies. You can’t expect to water them anytime you want and get the best results. There are protocols when it comes to watering summer squash.
To ensure plants grow well, keep the soil evenly moist by watering about 2 inches of water per week through rain or additional watering.
In the same way, weekly deep watering is essential to help roots grow strong whenever the soil begins to dry out. Water should reach at least 6 to 8 inches deep into the dirt. One way to do this is to water slowly and let the water soak in deeply.
However, when it’s hot, you might need to water more often to prevent the soil from drying out. On the other hand, you might only need to water sometimes when it’s cooler or raining.
Ultimately, the objective is to keep the soil’s moisture levels steady, ensuring it doesn’t get too dry or too wet.
Taking Care of Summer Squash
Now that you have planted summer squash veggies in your garden, taking care of them can get hefty. Furthermore, you may not get fresh and healthy summer squash if you don’t care for them. Don’t worry, I will tell you how to do that easily.
The first step is to consistently water them according to their needs. Since I already covered this above, I will not bore you further by discussing it here.
Fertilizing the Soil
It’s vital to ensure high-quality soil for your summer squash, which can be done by fertilizing it regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks.
Mulching
Putting mulch around the base of your squash plants is also a good idea. Organic mulch, like shredded leaves, helps keep the soil wet and at the right temperature, allows the plant to grow well and reduces the need for watering.
Pruning
Another part of care is pruning. Remove any dying or infected leaves to let more airflow and lower the risk of fungal diseases. Furthermore, cut off any small, weak shoots that appear between the leaves to direct the plant’s energy towards making fruit.
Pest and Disease Management
Caring for pests and diseases is essential to keep your squash plants safe. Pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and plant borers should be checked regularly. When you find pests, pick them off by hand and throw them away.
However, if the problem is severe, you should use organic insecticides.
Final Thoughts
As you finish up your summer squash planting, remember that patience, care, and observation are often the keys to success in farming. If you follow the suggestions and steps in this guide, you should be able to produce a lot of tasty squash all season long.
Nevertheless, I hope I have clarified all your confusion regarding growing summer squash. Like I said, it can seem like a lot of work at first, but trust me, once you eat your grown squash, you’ll forget everything.
