Garden calendar for the kitchen garden - vegetables and herbs. See what to plant right now and for next month.

Growing Squash, also Crookneck, Pattypan, Summer squash

(Cucurbita pepo)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
P	P						S		T	T	P

(Best months for planting Squash in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 60 - 80 cm apart
Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
Compatible with: Sweet corn

Mother Hubbard squash
Pattypan squash

Start in individual pots then transfer when all risk of frost is past. For succession, later plantings can be straight into the ground. Fast maturing squash varieties for summer growing. Not suitable to store like pumpkins. Usually grown to pick when young and used without removing rind or seeds.

Zucchini/courgette (see under Z) is also a variety of squash

Protect from frost. Water well. Grow on well mulched, raised area. Shelter from strong winds.

A spray with a 5gm/teasp Bicarbonate of Soda in 600ml/pint of water will help slow powdery mildew when it appears.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Squash

Use whole or sliced. Steam or fry.

Your comments and tips

01 Jan 12, Robyn (Australia - tropical climate): I have planted squash and they have been flowering well but when the flowers are finished the whole thing is falling off the stem including the bulb, almost like the stem is not strong enough for the flower. Some input would be much appreciated
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30 Dec 11, Michael (Australia - temperate climate): Hi, I'm growing mixed button squash for the first time. They plants look quite hearty and flowering but the flower only stays open for a day and then closes. When should I start to see the fruit form? Thanks in advance.
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17 Sep 11, (Australia - temperate climate): Have just subscibed and have found the information very helpful regarding squash. Thanks. Jeff from Portland Australia
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09 Jun 11, Katie (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Hi, I have bought 2 spaghetti squash and have them in pots which are about 35cm across with a rich organic potting mix. Wondering if I should stake them, or train them up the fence or let them sprawl out onto the ground as I imagine their going to be heavy? Thanks Katie
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27 Aug 11, Georgi (Australia - tropical climate): How did they end up?
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16 Dec 10, Domded (Australia - temperate climate): Can anybody please tell me where I can get seeds for crookneck squash, it looks like a yellow zucchini with pimples. Secondly, i have had/kept the seeds in the past, but they seem to bastardise.
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31 Jan 11, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Eden Seeds on the Gold Coast hinterland sells it
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12 Jan 11, Sam (Australia - temperate climate): There are a number of vendors. Try a Google search for online sellers, there are at least three based in Australia. Rugosa Friulana is an Italian heirloom crookneck.
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26 Mar 10, Sarah (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Heidi, I'm in Canberra and planted some spaghetti squash seeds in pots about 4 weeks ago. I had no idea when they should be planted or even if they'd grow! Anyway, they have come up really well and are definitely ready to put in the ground. Having now looked at this site, I realise I'll now have to make sure they're protected from frost. Fingers crossed!
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17 Feb 10, Heidi (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I have some spaghetti squash seeds - would they be right to plant now?
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See planting calendar for these countries and climate zones

Australia - arid, Australia - cool/mountain, Australia - sub-tropical, Australia - temperate, Australia - tropical, New Zealand - cool/mountain, New Zealand - sub-tropical, New Zealand - temperate, South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical, South Africa - Humid sub-tropical, South Africa - Semi-arid, South Africa - Summer rainfall, United Kingdom - cool/temperate, United Kingdom - warm/temperate, USA - Central West Coast, USA - Maritime Northwest, USA - Mid-Atlantic, USA - North East, USA - South East and Gulf States, USA - South West, USA - Upper Midwest

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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