How to grow squash 

Squash is native to America and it is related to courgette. It can spread up to 3 feet wide. Squash is a warm-weather crop that comes in two types summer and winter squash. Find out how to grow squash from seeds.

Growing conditions for squash

Soil: Soil must be well draining and the temperatures must be 70°F. Squash requires soil that is well-draining, fertile and slightly acidic.

Optimum temperature: Squash grows best when temperatures are between 18 to 24 °C

Sunlight: Squash grows best in full sunlight and requires at least 6 to 8 hours

Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but don’t overwater.

Fertilise: Fertilise container-grown squash once in 3 weeks. Fertilise squash is grown in the ground thrice during the growing season.

How to grow squash from seeds

You can start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date or directly sow them. Direct sow seeds an inch deep. Take a seed tray and fill it with seed starting mix. Next, sow the seeds an inch deep and gently water. If you are sowing squash seeds directly in the soil you can sow them when the soil temperature has reached 21°C

Seeds will germinate within 10 to 12 days. If you are sowing seeds in the soil, you can amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting the seeds. If you are growing squash in containers you can grow them in ones that are 18 inches deep and wide. For the potting mix take 60% compost, 20% coarse sand, 10% vermiculite and 10% perlite. You can also mulch the soil to retain moisture.

You can harvest squash when they grow 6 to 8 inches long. It can take 60 to 80 days to harvest squash.

Common pests and diseases of squash.

Squash is vulnerable to pests such as bugs, beetles, aphids and cucumber beetles. You can use diatomaceous earth or neem oil to treat these pests.

Read more:

1. How to grow cucumber.
2. Best vegetables to grow in summer season.
3. Best vegetables to grow in containers for beginners.
4. Best flowers to grow for beginners.