Squash

Latest stories

More stories

  • in Plant, Seed Starting, Seed Starting Specific Crops

    Winter Squash Seed Starting Tips

    Squash winter butternut green 1

    by

    Winter squash are tender, warm-weather crops very similar to summer squashes. But, winter squashes—unlike summer squashes—must fully mature on the vine before harvest. Summer squashes can be picked and eaten immature; they have a succulent texture. Winter squashes are drier and more fibrous than summer squashes. Winter squashes include acorn, banana, buttercup, butternut, cushaw delicious, […] More

  • in Plant, Seed Starting, Seed Starting Specific Crops

    Summer Squash and Zucchini Seed Starting Tips

    Seedling Zucchini

    by

    Summer squashes are tender, warm-weather crops. Summer squashes include crookneck, pattypan, straightneck, scallop, vegetable marrow, and zucchini. Sow summer squash indoors 4 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. Sow summer squash outdoors when the soil temperature has warmed to 70°F (21°C). Protect squash in the garden from cool temperatures with row […] More

  • in Recipes, Side Dishes

    Whole Winter Squash Roasted

    Squash roasted butternut 1

    by

    Small winter squashes such as butternut, Delicata, and acorn can be roasted in halves to serve right in the shell. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Halve the squash and scoop out the seeds. No need to remove the skin. Place the halves cut side up on an oiled rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan, […] More

  • in Harvest and Storage

    How to Harvest and Store Summer Squash

    Squash pattypan and zucchini

    by

    Harvest summer squash young and tender. Harvest summer squash when the skin is glossy and soft enough to be easily pierced with your thumbnail. When to Harvest Summer Squash Summer squash is edible as soon as the skin is glossy and can be pierced with a thumbnail. Harvest zucchini, crookneck, and yellow squash when they […] More

  • in Harvest and Storage, Tips

    How to Harvest, Cure, and Store Winter Squash

    IMG 1772

    by

    Harvest winter squashes when they are mature. Winter squash is mature when its rind cannot be scratched with a thumbnail. Winter squashes include Acorn, Butternut, Hubbard, Banana, Buttercup, Spaghetti, and pumpkins. Winter squash refers to squash planted in spring, grown in summer, harvested in fall, and stored for winter use. Winter squashes require more days […] More

  • in Gardening Tips, Tips

    Corn, Beans, and Squash: The Three Sisters

    Corn and beans 2

    by

    Sometimes one vegetable crop can help another vegetable crop grow better just by being nearby. For example lettuce and spinach often grow better in the shade of a taller plant. Growing two or more crops in close proximity for a shared benefit is called companion planting. A classic planting of three garden companions is corn, […] More

  • in Fruit Vegetables, Gardening Tips

    Planting Melons and Squash Early

    Garden beds squash1

    by

    Long-season vine crops such as melons and squash can be started early in the season if you adequately prepare and warm the soil. The right preparation will ensure even growth and ample yield. Melons, watermelons, winter squashes, and pumpkins can require 125 to 160 days from sowing or transplanting to harvest. Getting an early start […] More

  • in Guides, Pests Diseases Problems

    Squash Growing Problems: Troubleshooting

    Squash plant large leaves1

    by

    Squash growing success will come with a few simple growing strategies: • Plant several squash plants. This will ensure at least one is successful and survives pests and diseases. Stagger planting times or plant seed and transplants at the same time for continuous harvest. • Give squash the space recommended. Check spacing requirements for each […] More

  • in Fruit Vegetables

    Patty Pan or Scallop Squash

    Squash yellow pattypan

    by

    Patty pan or scallop squash is a small, saucer-shaped warm-season squash that usually grows to no more than 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Patty pan squashes look something like a toy top. They can be white to creamy colored or various shades of green or yellow. Patty pans are less moist than other summer […] More