Squash
Squash is a warm weather crop that although takes more room in the garden
than most vegetables, will outproduce most others as well.
-Planting: Squash should be planted in hills or clusters about 6 feet
apart, with the seeds spaced 2 inches apart, as soon as the soil is warm.
The soil must be well supplied with compost or manure.
-Growing: The seedling should be thinned to 3 plants per hill when they
emerge, and a thick mulch should applied. The plants must be kept well
watered, with occasional applications of manure or compost to boost
growth. The vines may be trained up a fence or trellis if there is a lack
of space.
-Harvesting: Summer squash should be checked daily, as it develops
quickly, and will lose quality with size. Harvest as much as possible, as
fruit left on the vine will slow further growth. Winter squash however,
must mature completely before they are harvested. In the fall, yellowing
of the stems marks harvest time for the squash. The squash should be cut
from the vines, with about 4 inches of stem left attached. After the
squash is picked, it must be placed in a dry, sunny, or warm location for
several days of curing, which will allow the shells to harden.
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