Summer Squash

Summer squash are related to pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers. They are a popular vegetable to grow in most home gardens. It's said the name summer squash refers to the fact that they are grown and must be consumed in the summertime, where winter squash have a much longer storage life. Some popular varieties are yellow crookneck and straight neck, zucchini, and pattypan. When it comes to summer squash, bigger is not necessarily better. It is recommended that summer squash be picked and consumed when the are smaller, because they are much more tender and have smaller seeds. Enjoy growing summer squash in your vegetable garden.

Direct sow squash seeds 1/2 - 1" (1.3-2.5cm) in fertile soil that has been amended with compost and aged manure. Summer squash enjoys full sunlight and germinates when the soil has reached a temperature of around of 65-75°F (18-24°C) . Space plant around 24-30" (61-76cm) apart. They require heavy and consistent water. They do like some elbow room, so give them some space.

For more on growing summer squash in the vegetable garden see this video on Growing Squash.

The University of Georgia has information on homegrown summer squash and winter squash in the vegetable garden or visit Oklahoma State University Extension for more tips on growing summer squash.