Preparing the Soil |
Garden: Summer squash and bush winter squash: Rows 1–2.4m (3–4') apart with plants spaced 45–60cm (18–24") apart. Winter squash: rows 1.2–1.8m (4–6'); space plants 45–60cm (18–24"). Farm: 100' row: 14–28g. Acre: 1–2kg (2–4lb). Rows: 1.8–2.4m (6–8') apart; space plants 90cm (36") apart. Days to emergence 4–9, depending on soil temperature.
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Latin |
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Cucurbita spp.
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Growing Tips |
In optimal conditions at least 80% of seeds will germinate. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 25-35ºC (68-95ºF). Usual seed life: 2 years.
STORAGE: Field-cure for 10 days in the sun, or cure indoors in a warm room for 4 or 5 days. To prevent mould sponge the skins with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach. Store at 10-15ºC (50-60ºF) with low humidity with good air circulation.
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Harvest |
Summer Squash: pick when small, if fruit gets big the plant stops producing. Winter Squash: Fruit is ripe if your thumbnail doesn't mark the skin and the stem is dry and brown. Cut the stem about 4cm (2") from the fruit. Squash survive a light frost, but store better if harvested before frost. SEED SAVING: Squash cross-pollinate within a species. This won't affect this year's fruit, but if you grow 2 varieties of C. pepo, for instance, the fruit will have seeds that, if planted, will grow next year into a fruit that does not resemble what you harvested this year. To save seeds, grow only 1 variety of a species at
a time.
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When To Start |
Direct-seed or transplant in late May or early June when soil is warm.
Preparing the Seeds
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