SUMMER SQUASH
Summer Squash are part of a large family of plants including zucchini, cucumber, melon and winter squash. (Popular zucchini is simply a variety of summer squash, but the two terms are often used interchangeably.) Summer squash has many similarities to winter squash, but usually grow more upright like a bush vs. sprawling on the ground like a vine.
VarietiEs
Summer squash has thin, tender skin and can be long or saucer shaped. I grow Sunburst Patty Pan summer squash because the plant is compact, saving space in my garden; it’s even small enough to grow in containers. If you want the more traditional summer squash, which is long and green, select the variety known as Green Machine.
WHERE SUMMER SQUASH THRIVES
Regional compatibility
Summer squash can grow anywhere in the United States.
Optimal sOIL & sun
Summer Squash prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH balance 6.0 to 7.5) and grows best in moist, well-drained, loose and sandy conditions. That said, it is tolerant of a variety of soil types, except for heavy clay.
These sprawling plants like at least eight hours of sun. Give them afternoon shade in hot regions when water is scarce.
RESILIENCE
Squash loves the heat and can be mildly drought-tolerant once established in the garden. The plant’s large leaves shrivel in dry weather but quickly recover once watered.
PLANTING
FROM SEED
Plant squash directly in the ground. These plants have sensitive root structures that don’t like to be disturbed. If you start squash indoors, be sure to transplant it before it becomes root bound.
Best time of year to plant
Squash is a fair-weather plant that won’t do well unless it’s planted in the heat of summer.
COMPANION PLANTS
Well-known companions for squash are beans and corn, traditionally grown by groups Indigenous to North America and commonly known as the “Three Sisters.” Plant squash with marigolds and nasturtiums to help ward off pests.
Growing
Most summer squash varieties will grow at least a foot tall and many will reach three feet. These bushy plants have large leaves, and they like to spread out at least three feet on either side. Give your summer squash room to spread and they will reward you with plenty of fruit!
WATERING
Summer squash needs regularly watering for consistent production. Water your summer squash an inch a week at minimum, but they will be happy with more - especially if you are in a dry climate. Misshapen fruit may be the result of inconsistent watering.
Weeding
Weed your summer squash regularly when the plants are young. Mature plants can out-compete most weeds. Mulching is a common practice for squash and helps keep weeds at bay.
Fertilizing
Summer squash are heavy feeders, and you may notice them sprouting up in your compost pile! Give them a good dose of high-quality compost at planting time, and again mid-season.
CHALLENGES
Picking your summer squash on time might be the biggest challenge with this quick-growing vegetable. Pay attention to your plants - little squash will become baseball bat-sized literally overnight!
pests & DISEASE
Summer squash are fall prey to two main pests: the Squash Bug and the Squash Vine Borer. Squash bugs will suck the sap out of leaves and stems, and lay more sap-sucking babies on each leaf. Turn leaves over to look for clusters of bright orange eggs, which need to be removed. The Squash Vine Borer will bore holes in the stem of the plant, lay its eggs inside. The larvae will eat the stem from the inside out, causing the plant to die. If you see evidence of these pests, wrap the stems of your unaffected squash plants in cheesecloth or aluminum foil.
A wide range of rots, wilts, and blights can weaken or kill squash during the summer. Fortunately, this happens late enough in the season that the plants are well established and don’t need the leaves that might wither away. To help prevent fungal disease, water only the base of the plant, not the leaves.
Harvest
Summer squash left on the vine too long will get pulpy and seedy, so pick it when it’s younger and more tender. Check your plants daily once they start to produce, and snip them off the vine with scissors. You can pick them as young as you’d like - baby summer squash are coveted by some chefs, but the bigger ones are great to bake with.
STORE
Keep Summer Squash on the counter for a few days, or in the refrigerator for a week or more.
Preserve
Summer squash freezes well for use in baked goods, and can also be dried for summer squash “chips.”
RECIPES
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