We love growing squash almost as much as we love eating it – especially the soft-skinned summer squash that comes in an endless selection of shapes, sizes and colours. The lumpier and more irregular they are, the better. They are a true summer vegetable, and few plants look or taste better with grill marks.
Like those perfect summer days, squash comes and goes faster than you would like. Plants grow very quickly and require a lot of nutrients to sustain their pace. Foliage gets large and bushy, but they tend to have relatively shallow and delicate root systems, which means a little extra care should be taken to grow the best possible produce. Consistent watering practices and mulch will go a long way. It’s not unusual for leaves to wilt on very hot days, but they will bounce back overnight. We find that our plants grow well when planted among sunflowers and sweet corn. Both companions offer a little extra shade, and sunflowers help to attract much-needed bees to assist with pollination.
Harvest fruit frequently to encourage more production. There is nothing worse than an overcooked, engorged squash sucking the energy out of your plant. It’s better to harvest small and even take a few flowers before they fruit.
PLANTING
Propagate in individual seed cells. Integrate the patch with slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser and sow seeds in small mounds of compost after the last frost. In cooler areas it’s best to incubate the young seedlings – using open-ended plastic bottles – which will also keep pests at bay.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Integrate the patch with slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser and sow seeds in small mounds of compost after the last frost. In cooler areas it’s best to incubate the young seedlings – using open-ended plastic bottles – which will also keep pests at bay.
Give monthly applications of liquid seaweed solution and mulch to a depth of 3–5cm using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch.
While not typically a vertical climber, they will grow out in a particular direction, which you can manipulate to suit the rest of your garden. Apply liquid potassium to encourage flower and fruit growth. As squash begin to develop, keep watering. Hand pollination may be necessary if fruit sets and then quickly dies off.
After around 14 weeks, fruiting planting will begin to die back and will be overcome by powdery mildew. Prune off affected leaves and use a milk spray to help control its spread.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 60-75 days
How to harvest: Once the squash has reached your desired size, snip the vine a few centimetres above the fruit. Keep in mind that bigger is not better. The texture becomes tough and dry once many squash exceed 25 centimetres in length.
TIP
Squash and pumpkin (winter squash) are often less productive than they could be, due to poor pollination. Plant with herbs and flowers to encourage more pollinators. Don’t be afraid to do it by hand.
