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Summer Squash Cultivation
Zucchini, crookneck, patty pan, the varieties of summer squash
are endless. One of the more popular annual summer vegetables, summer
squash can be planted throughout the United States at any time after
the last frost date when the soil temperature 4 inches down has
reached 60° F. A black plastic mulch will help to warm the soil
sooner.
 Seed
can be planted in full sun 4-6 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart
at a depth of one half inch. Summer squash thrives best when temperatures
average between 65° F and 75° F. Thin the seedlings to 12-15
inches apart when the first pair of true leaves appears.
Another way to cultivate summer squash is to plant the seeds in
low hills spaced 3 to 4 feet apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart. 2
or 3 seeds to each hill is best.
Test your soil to determine your fertilizer needs. pH should be
between 5.8 and 6.5 for brst results. It is also important to maintain
adequate levels of calcium in the soil as too little can cause blossom
end rot in the fruit. Applying the reccomended amount of lime just
before planting is essential to a healthy crop. Too much nitrogen
will cause excessive vine growth to the detriment of the fruit growth.
Too much nitrogen also inhibits proper intake of calcium by the
plants.
Water your plants in the morning to allow the leaves enough time
to dry before nightfall. To prevent shallow root systems from developing,
water to a depth of 6 inches two to three times per week, more often
during drier periods. The most critical time to maintain a proper
water supply is when fruit is setting and developing.
Provide an organic mulch 2 to three inches deep for your plants.
This will help to retain moisture in the soil and allow the roots
to take in calcium more efficiently.
For proper fruit growth, squash blossoms must be pollinated by
bees. Separate male and female flowers are present on all squash
plants, but pollen must be transferred between them for fruit to
set. Look for bees around your plants when blooming begins. Avoid
using insecticides on squash plants until late in the evening when
bees are no longer active. Improper pollination of summer squash
results in poorly shaped fruit.
You can begin to harvest most squash varieties 55 days after planting.
Harvest fruits when the skins have a glossy appearance and are tender
when slightly pressed. Harvest the fruits every day or every other
day. Scallop (patty pan) squash should be harvested when the fruits
are 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Zucchini fruits should be 7 or 8
inches long when harvested. Yellow crookneck and straightneck squash
should be harvested when the fruits are 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
Large hard fruits should be removed and discarded. Leaving them
on the plants will discourage further fruiting. Store harvested
summer squash in the refigerator and use or process within one week.
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