Squash & Zucchini — FarmPal
Prolific producers that will feed your family (and neighbors) all summer long.
Sun
full
Water
high
Spacing
36-48 inches for bush, 60+ inches for vining
Days to Harvest
Summer: 45-65 days, Winter: 80-110 days
Planting Depth
1 inch deep
Companion Plants
Corn
Beans
Radishes
Marigolds
Nasturtiums
Avoid Planting Near
Potatoes
Other squash family (cross-pollination)
Common Pests
Squash bugs
Squash vine borer
Cucumber beetles
Aphids
Diseases to Watch
Powdery mildew
Downy mildew
Bacterial wilt
Blossom end rot
Growing Tips
- •Direct sow after all danger of frost has passed
- •Create mounds for better drainage
- •Hand pollinate if bee activity is low
- •Check daily for squash bug eggs (bronze colored on leaf undersides)
- •Wrap stem base with aluminum foil to prevent vine borers
Harvesting
- •Summer squash: harvest small (6-8 inches) for best texture
- •Winter squash: harvest when skin is hard and stem is dry
- •Cut with sharp knife leaving 2-3 inch stem
- •Don't carry winter squash by the stem
Storage
Summer: refrigerator 1-2 weeks. Winter: cool dry place 3-6 months.
Varieties
Zucchini
The classic summer squash. Green or yellow.
Yellow Crookneck
Sweet summer squash. Tender skin.
Butternut
Sweet orange flesh. Stores 3-6 months.
Acorn
Single-serving size. Green ribbed skin.
Spaghetti
Stringy flesh like pasta. Fun for kids.