Tips for Growing Summer Squash

Summer squash is a great vegetable to grow during the summer season. Here are some tips on how to make your summer squash harvest a success! 

1. Start early: Start planting your seeds indoors in the spring, around 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. You can then transplant the seedlings outdoors when it’s warmer and the risk of frost has passed. 

2. Plant in full sun: Squash need full sun exposure for 6-8 hours per day to thrive. Plant your squash in an area with direct sunlight for optimal growth and production. 

3. Prepare the soil: Squash require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil to perform at its best. Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure will help boost the soil's fertility and ensure optimal nutrition for your plants. 

4. Water regularly: Watering is essential for healthy squash growth, so be sure to water deeply but not too often (every other day or every two days). Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before you water again to avoid overwatering which can cause root rot and fungal issues. 

5. Mulch: Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, reduce weed competition and protect fruits from soil-borne disease. 

6. Provide support: Many varieties of summer squash benefit from having something like a trellis or wire cage to grow on; this helps prevent damage from ground contact and also makes harvesting easier! 

Following these tips should ensure that you have a successful summer squash harvest!