Soil
Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Cannot tolerate frost.
Feeding
Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.
Companions
Corn, Nasturtium, Borage, Oregano, Marigold, Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin and Lemon Balm.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 11″ (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1′ 11″ (60cm) with 1′ 11″ (60cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Notes
Keep plantings small, to fewer than a dozen plants. Different types of summer squash help pollinate one another because they are of the same species.
Harvesting
Harvest summer squash when they are young and tender, before the rinds begin to harden. Use a knife to cut fruits from the plants.
Troubleshooting
Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers.
