Harvest Type:  Continuous

Transplant/Direct Sow:  Direct sow or transplant

When to Plant: After the last average frost date.

Indoors 3-5 weeks before the last average frost date.

Days to Germinate:  7-10 days

Days to Maturity:  50-65 days depending on the type planted.

Planting Depth:  1” deep

Germination Temp:  70-85°F

Seed Spacing:  1-3 seeds per hill, thin to 1 plant per hill.

Light:  Full sun

Soil pH:  6.0-6.8 pH

Water:  1" of water per week

Soil Temperature:  Squash like heat.

Fertilizer:  10-10-10 N-P-K ratio when the plants begin to bloom.

Rotation:  Annually

Harvest Type

Yellow squash and Zucchini offer a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Transplant / Direct Sow

You can direct sow or transplant these squash. They will do just fine with direct sowing, though you can eliminate a lot of pest damage if you transplant healthy seedlings that are 4-5" tall.

When to Plant:

Plant after all threats of frost have passed and when the soil temperature is 70°F.

Days to germinate

7-10days to germinate.

Days to maturity

It takes about 50-65 days for plants to mature, depending on the variety grown.

Planting Depth

Plant seeds at 1" deep.

Germination Temperature Range

As low as 60°F but do best when the soil is around 70-65°F.

TIP: In shorter growing areas, start seeds indoors 3-5 weeks before the average last frost date.

Spacing Between Plants

Squash do best in hills or containers. Space squash 18-24" apart in a row, or space hills 2' apart. Plant 1-3 seeds per hill and then thin.

TIP: Grow a variety of squash for extra food preservation.

Growing conditions

Squash is relatively easy to grow.  Start with nutrient-rich soil by working compost into the row before planting. Lightly fertilize once blossoms begin to form. Use a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 N-P-K ratio fertilizer.  Water slowly and deeply with 1" of water per week. In dryer areas, water more frequently or if the plants begin to wilt. Keep soil most to 8-10".  These squash love heat, and the seeds germinate best at 70°F.

Companion Plants

Taller plants do well with these squash. Peas and pole beans are both excellent companions.

Rotation

Rotate annually. They are heavy feeders, so plan to amend the soil before planting.

Anticipated yields

Plan your garden yield at 1-2 squash plants per person. Generally, expect about 5-25 pounds of squash per plant. If squash overwhelms you, they are good canned, frozen, or dehydrated. Extra squash makes excellent chicken food too.