Tips For Growing Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is an easy vegetable to grow and a delicious addition to your summer dinner table. If you’re a novice gardener, take it slow and be sure to learn as much as you can about plant care and harvesting.

Pests and diseases can also impact your yellow squash crops, so be sure to check for them daily. If you see them early, treat them immediately to prevent more serious problems down the line.

Planting

Yellow squash are a summer vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They have a mild flavor with nuances of black pepper and roasted nut that is great for both raw and cooked applications.

Like most warm-season vegetables, yellow squash needs a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Select a location in your yard with good drainage. Squash plants may rot and die if they’re planted in soil that is too waterlogged.

Squash are a heavy feeder, so they need to be regularly fertilized to grow and produce a large crop. Amend the soil with organic compost and a natural fertilizer like worm castings before planting.

Plant your seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space them 12 inches apart. Keep the seeds well-watered until they germinate, then water them regularly.

Care

Yellow squash is one of the most popular summer garden vegetables. It’s high in Vitamin C, B-6, and Potassium and can be used as a savory or sweet side dish. It’s also an excellent choice for low-carb and keto diets.

Several different types of summer squash can be grown, but the most common are straightneck and crookneck varieties. These varieties are fast-growing and a good addition to the vegetable garden.

The crookneck variety is slightly thicker and bumpier than the straightneck, and has a more bulbous end and a curved neck. This variety has a buttery flavor with notes of black pepper and nuts.

Both squash varieties require full sun and frequent watering during the growing season. They can ripen 50 to 70 days after planting, but you’ll want to pick them earlier in the season when they’re young and tender.

Protect your plants from cold weather and hard frosts by using floating row covers or a shade cloth. This will help reduce infestation from cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers.

Harvesting

Yellow squash is a fast-growing summer variety that needs full sun and daily watering to thrive. They can ripen in about 50 to 70 days from planting.

They are also susceptible to diseases, pests, and other problems, so it’s important to harvest them regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce more fruit and give you more tasty vegetables.

Generally speaking, pick your squash when they are light yellow and six inches in length. You’ll want to remove the plump end, which should be about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

You can store baby yellow squash or smaller ones in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Be sure to poke a few holes in the bag so it can dry out more easily.

You can also freeze yellow squash if you have a freeze dryer or your neighbors have one. This will keep them fresher and allow you to use them more quickly. It will also help prevent mildew and other fungal diseases from developing.

Storage

If you’re storing squash long-term, it’s essential to store them in a cool dry place. You can store yellow squash at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but it’s best to keep them in a plastic bag with a few holes poked in for airflow.

You can also freeze squash, which has a longer shelf life than many other fruits and vegetables. But it’s important to blanch your squash before freezing, which helps to stop the enzymes that degrade its flavor.

The National Center for Home Food Preservation has a great guide to help you store your squash long-term.

Squash is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is a key component in many healthy eating plans. But be sure to pick your squash carefully. Look for bruises, blemishes, and mold to avoid overripeness.