How to GrowKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Squash plants have a shallow root system, mulches help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures.Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.Squash plants are “dioecious” having both male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers will open first and the female flowers will open later.Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Attract bee pollinators by planting daisies such as sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias and coneflower, and mints such as beebalm, sage, oregano and lavender. More bees mean more chances flowers will be pollinated and develop into fruits. Border squash plots with rows of beans, herbs, peppers and tomatoes. TipsWinter Squash:Wait to until the fruit has matured to harvest.Fruit will have a dull skin that it too hard to pierce it with your thumbnail.To harvest cut fruit from the vine with shears leaving a 2- 3 inch stem on each squash.Allow the winter squash to cure in the sun for a week to harden skin.Store winter squash in a cool dry place.Summer Squash:Harvest when fruits are small and the skin is shiny. Harvest often. To keep summer squash producing pick all fruit at this stage. If fruit is allowed to mature the plant may stop producing.To pick summer squash give the fruit a gentle twist until it snaps off.Store summer squash in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to a week.Male squash blossoms are also delicious and sweet, try dipping in batter and frying.
