Vegetable:
Squash
1. When – Plant near the end of spring, squash enjoy warm weather and cannot tolerate cold weather well. Plants seeds in May, or start seeds indoors in April.
2. Where – 6-8 hours of full sun. A trellis for the plants to climb on is useful to assist with harvesting later on.
3. How – Start by digging a hoe 12-18 inches wide and the same in depth. Fill the hole with a mix of compost, manure, and native soil until the mound is about 6-8 inches tall. Make sure the mounds are about 4 feet apart, to give ample room for the squash to vine. After planting make sure to cover with a thick layer of mulch as it is extremely helpful for the squash.
4. Harvesting – The squash is ready for harvest when the flesh has turned from glossy to dull. The squash itself should be a deep saturated color, as well as firm with no soft spots. To harvest, cut the squash just above the fruit where it connects to the stem.
5. Tips – Fertilize with 5-10-10 when first planting. A trellis is highly recommended, diseases such as powdery mildew is common to pick up off the ground.
Type:
Annual
Time to harvest:
80-120 days
Plant Origin:
Central America dating back 7,500 years
How to Cultivate 