(Best months for planting Squash in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

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

16 Jun 12, Monette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

had some squash plants spring up in my garden (from compost maybe) plants grew beautifully had several male flowers but only a few female ones and never. is there any thing I need to do to get the plants to bear fruit

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18 Jun 12, Erin (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Some squash need to be hand polinated, just google "hand pollinating squash." There are youtube vids that would explain better than I could in text alone. It's pretty easy, and it has worked for me.

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13 Apr 12, Masha (Australia - temperate climate)

I chucked some seeds out in the backyard from a squash I'd bought, and about 3 months later the plant suddenly appeared. Now, another month orso later, it has some fruits on it and lots of flowers! Strange thing is, I never water my garden, and when I did start watering it (watermelons had also suddenly appeared out of nowhere) it nearly died :(

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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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04 Mar 12, Leigh (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

It's probably because you haven't got bees pollinating them for you. If that's the case, just take one of the "male" flowers (the ones on stalks - and a single stem inside the flower), peel the petals off the male flower to make it easier to get into the "female" flowers and rub the pollen onto the "female" flowers (the ones with the fruit under them - and the curled shaped stamens).

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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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