Squash Growing Tips You Don't Know
- gardeningwithglynis
- Apr 19, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 21, 2020
1. Plant on a hill or mound. One of the main reasons I like doing this is to identify where my plants are in the garden. Secondly, it helps lock in water where you need it - within the root system. Once your plant grows it will help keep you plant off of the ground, helping with mildew and bug problems.

2. Some shade is ok. Yep you read that right. Why is it that everything you read says full sun 6-8 hours? Well, seed packets and general directions aren't accounting for your location. If you are in the South or a humid location, squash can start to droop with the stress of the heat. I like to plant corn and sunflowers behind my squash to give it some of that mid-summer shade, just when it needs it the most. Corn and squash also have the same moisture and fertility requirements making them cozy little neighbors.
3. There is a wrong way to water. Water your seeds with a fine even spray, not the shower setting. A strong storm or downpour of rain can wash away your seeds too.
WRONG WAY

RIGHT WAY

3. Check your plants daily after squash begins producing. You will need to monitor the "bug situation" closely or your whole plant will be wiped out before you can butter the pan for the casserole. Control bugs by removing manually or with insecticidal soap. I also sprinkle some of my herbs like lemon balm, peppermint leaves, and even marigold leaves right down near the base of the plant. The other reason to check daily is to make sure all of the nutrients aren't going to one lone fruit the size of a baseball bat. Harvest early and often for the best tasting squash and to keep your plants lasting longer.
4. Two plants is all you need. Ok ok so this is a tip you already know if this isn't your first time planting squash. Dealing with six squash plants feels like a full time job in the summer, between harvest and bugs, it can become overwhelming. Just think of all of the cool stuff you could have planted with that extra space too. I say two plants, but I guess I mean two plants at any given time. It doesn't hurt to have a transplant seedling ready to go, if one of your plants gets infested too quickly, or gets accidentally broken. Succession planting is a great way to keep a harvest all season long.
5. You can eat the flowers. Typically the zucchini varieties, but other squash flowers are edible. Gourmet chefs consider the flower a delicacy and will pay top dollar to get their hands on some. Stuff with a little cheese, fry, and top with salt and squirt of lemon juice... yummy.
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