Cucurbita pepo
A prolific summer squash that's perfect for beginners, one or two plants can feed a family all season long.
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Form mounds enriched with compost and aged manure so roots have loose, fertile ground that warms quickly. Soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 keeps nutrients available.
Deliver 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week via drip lines or soaker hoses, concentrating on morning irrigations to keep foliage dry.
Side-dress with compost tea when vines begin to sprawl and again after each heavy flush of fruit to keep plants vigorous.
Remove the oldest leaves touching the soil to improve airflow and reduce powdery mildew. Train vines along a low trellis or stake to lift fruit off the ground and ease harvesting.
Pick fruit at 6 to 8 inches long before seeds toughen. Rinse gently, pat dry, and store in a breathable bag in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or shred and freeze for baking.
These plants grow well together and can provide mutual benefits like pest control, improved soil health, and efficient space usage.
Watch out for these common pests and diseases. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining healthy plants.
| Issue | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Powdery mildew on leaves | Prune to improve airflow and apply a weekly spray of one part milk to nine parts water in the evening. |
| Blossom end rot on early fruit | Maintain consistent soil moisture, add calcium via gypsum, and avoid rapid swings in fertilization. |
| Squash vine borer tunnel damage | Wrap the lower stem with foil, inject Bt into the stem at the first sign of frass, and plant successions after July when pressure drops. |
Classic dark green zucchini with reliable yields and tender skin.
Striped Italian heirloom with nutty flavor and firm texture even when larger.
Golden patty pan squash harvested young for grilling and roasting.
Check out our companion planting guides and learn about creating productive plant guilds for your garden.
