May is the time to plant squash in Mid-Missouri. Most squash can be put into two categories: summer squash and winter squash. The terms "summer" and "winter" are used to describe the time of use.
Summer squash, such as zucchini, differs from fall and winter squash in that it is selected to be harvested before the rind hardens and the fruit matures, thus it is eaten throughout the summer. Summer squash grows on bush-type plants that do not spread as much as other vine type plants.
Although there are many varieties of summer squash, some of the most common varieties are zucchini, yellow straightneck, yellow crookneck, and pattypan or scallop. If you are not familiar with the pattypan or scallop squash, they can be a nice addition to the garden. Pattypan squash is tougher than most varieties of summer squash, which is good; it'll hold up to longer cooking and higher temperatures than zucchini. It's great in stews and chilies. You can find pattypan squash most commonly in yellow or light green colors, which taste pretty much the same.
You can plant squash anytime after the danger of frost has passed, from early spring until midsummer. I sometimes have two plantings - one for early summer harvest and another for late summer and fall harvest. Other times, if the zucchini are having a good year, one planting can be enough, sometimes more than enough.
Squash are generally planted in hills or mounds of dirt 6-8 inches high and with a flattened top about a foot square. To make an easy mound, dig a hole about 6 inches deep and fill with compost. Then, add the dirt back in and mix. The height of your mound will be in relation to the amount of compost you put in the hole. A good bed of compost will make your squash flourish like never before. Space the hills 3-4 feet apart.
I usually plant four to six seeds to a hill a half inch deep. Once the seeds germinate and the plants emerge, I thin the plants to the strongest two plants. Squash plants are usually vigorous growers with little care other than watering. They do tend to be thirsty plants, so be sure they receive at least 1 inch of rain per week or supplement water if needed.
Although squash plants seem to produce effortlessly, they are not without their problems. Squash bugs are a notable one and the curse of many a gardener. These pests need to be controlled when the insect is immature. Once the insect has developed into an adult, it is difficult to control even with insecticides.
At the adult stage, the best method is to pick them off by hand and drop them in a jar of soapy water to drown.
Striped and spotted cucumber beetles can be another problem as they may spread bacterial wilt and mosaic (two serious diseases of vine crops) while they are chewing up your plant. Either the disease or the feeding may cause serious damage or complete crop loss.
Using row covers can help prevent some insect damage. Cover the plants as soon as they emerge from the ground or apply the cover at planting time. This is especially helpful in defense of the cucumber beetles. The coverings must be removed when they start to bloom so the flowers can be pollinated by bees and other pollinators. This method usually gives the plant enough time to grow strong enough to fight of the effects of the disease the cucumber beetle carries until you can harvest the fruits.
Powdery mildew (a gray, powder-like coating that covers the leaves) is a common fungi that likes humid nights. It can be controlled with a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 gallon of water. Mix in a sprayer and spray your plants once a week or as needed.
Harvest a summer squash when it is about 4-6 inches long and 11/2 half inches in diameter. You can eat summer squash raw or cooked. In fact, if they are having a good year, you'll have to do both to keep up, and when you are trying to give those zucchini away, it is easier when they are small and don't look like a club.
Happy gardening!
Peter Sutter is a life-long gardening enthusiast and a participant in the MU Extension's Callaway County Master Gardener program. Gardening questions can be sent to [email protected].