Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network
Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network
Summer squash: It’s about much more than just zucchini! That’s what you’ll learn when you dig into this collection all about this versatile fruit (that’s right: you’re going to learn that it’s really a fruit, not a vegetable!).
Whether you’ve grown summer squash before, or you’ve only thought about trying it, you’re bound to learn something from this collection. Summer squash is fairly easy to grow, requiring little more than the usual water maintenance and pest and disease vigilance.
In this collection’s Introduction, you’ll start with the basics and some history of summer squash, a truly native American crop which can be grown almost anywhere there’s 60 days of sunshine in summer. Then, in the Feature Articles, you’ll get specifics about squash gardening—from types of plants and soil preparation to watering and controlling and preventing disease.
If you’re already an advanced squash and food gardener, some of this may be refresher content for you. But, stick with it, because you’re certain to learn something new, especially when it comes to starting seeds or seedlings.
In Plant Profiles, you’ll learn about six popular varieties of summer squash, so you’ll have specific details about the characteristics and best uses for particular varieties. This is where the collection goes outside the zucchini box! If you’d like us to include another squash variety that appeals to you, please let me know by commenting below.
As always with the Food Gardening Network, we’ve included a variety of easy and absolutely luscious Recipes, so that you can enjoy your abundant crop—and it will be abundant, because that’s what summer squash does. We’ve all heard of the gardener who brings zucchini to work for colleagues to enjoy, or gives it away to strangers! You’ll be glad to try these recipes to use up your harvest.
The recipes include uses for casseroles, fritters, and even pizza. You’ll be sure to delight everyone at your table when you prepare squash any of these ways, and these dishes will become staples in your household. Enjoy your squash harvest with these tasty recipes, and your family and friends will appreciate all of your gardening efforts!
Next, you’ll learn Nutrition Facts about Squash to find out exactly what makes squash such a healthy food. Health Benefits of Squash will help you learn about how key nutrients in squash can help prevent some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer—and even make your hair more lustrous.
If you’re ready to explore squash and food gardening even further, we’ve included a Resources section that is complementary to this collection. Feel free to take a deeper dive into these additional resources by visiting the links provided. We’ve included resources that help you grow other foods besides squash, so you may find this section particularly useful.
Finally, you’ll find a brief Glossary at the end of this collection in case you need a fuller explanation of any key terms and concepts.
I know you’ll be fascinated reading this collection and picturing your next summer garden brimming with summer squash. Enjoy, and become the best food gardener you can be!
Norann, I always enjoy your videos. They are so informative and interesting.
I have wondered how to harvest squash blossoms without sacrificing the fruit. My blossoms dry up and fall off before the fruit is ready. I watched a program about food in Southern Italy and their large blossoms stayed on and beautiful when the squash was big enough to pick. What am I doing wrong?
You’re too kind! Your squash plants will have both male and female blossoms. While the female blossoms are considered the tastiest, it is very important to pick mostly male blossoms to ensure that fruit will grow. Blossoms are best picked in the morning and while still in bud form. To tell male from female – male flowers typically come out earlier and have a thinner, longer, straight stem. Female flowers are typically on shorter stems that have a bulge just below the blossom.
I’m very interested in how to not have squash bores – what are your suggestions?
Carole,
Squash vine borers can be a real nuisance and we’ve written an article in this collection that addresses them and other squash pests. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Squash vine borers
Squash vine borers tunnel through the stems of squash plants, depriving the leaves and fruit of moisture. They are common in home gardens in the eastern half of the U.S.
Look for wilting leaves along with holes at the base of your plants that exude a green, sawdust-like substance. Once they’ve colonized a squash plant, squash borers can be hard to control. Prevention and physical controls are excellent organic methods for dealing with them.
Prevention: Plant summer squash in early July after adult borers have completed their life cycle and are finished laying eggs. Row covers can help keep squash borers off (leave them in place for only two weeks to allow for pollination), or wrap stems in foil to prevent eggs from being laid at the base of plants.
Rotate your squash crops, making sure you don’t plant them in beds where cucumbers or melons grew the previous year. Remove and destroy affected plants to prevent re-introducing borers the following year.
Physical controls: When your plants are small, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of each plant. Reapply after every rain.
Try setting traps. Place a yellow bucket or bowl filled with water around your plants. Adult borers are attracted to the color yellow and will fly into the water and drown. Yellow sticky traps are also effective.
If you detect a borer in your plant, insert a wire up the plant stem to kill the larvae. You can also make a small incision in a plant’s stem to identify and remove the borers, but the plant may die. Bury any cut areas in soil to encourage rooting.
Squash vine borers tunnel through the stems of squash plants, depriving the leaves and fruit of moisture. They are common in home gardens in the eastern half of the U.S.
And here is a link to the full article: Dealing With Squash Pests
Good luck and happy gardening!