By Benedict Vanheems, August 28, 2020
Squash plants are a favorite in many home gardens, known for their rapid growth and culinary versatility. While they’re relatively easy to grow, they’re not without their challenges. To ensure your squash plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest, here are some expert tips to address common problems.
Keeping Your Squash Healthy
Healthy squash plants are marked by vibrant, lush foliage. To encourage consistent growth, water them thoroughly, especially during dry spells, as squash plants thrive in moist soil. Mulching with organic materials like compost helps maintain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. Be sure to remove any weeds and dead or yellowing leaves to keep your plants tidy and disease-free.
Dealing with Squash Pests
Two common pests that target squash are squash bugs and squash vine borers.
- Squash Bugs: These pests feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and reducing fruit production. Prevent infestations by covering plants with row covers early in the season and regularly checking for eggs. Scrape off eggs and knock adult bugs into soapy water. If you have chickens, they can help by eating the bugs.
- Squash Vine Borers: Common in the eastern U.S., these pests bore into the stems of squash plants, causing rot and wilting. Prevent them by using row covers early or wrapping the stems in aluminum foil to discourage egg-laying. If borers do appear, carefully cut out the larvae from the stem with a sharp knife and bury the stem to promote new root growth. Alternatively, try planting butternut squash, which is less susceptible to vine borers.
Preventing Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. It can stunt growth by blocking sunlight absorption. The primary cause of powdery mildew is inconsistent watering, which stresses plants and makes them more vulnerable. Keep your plants well-watered and remove any infected leaves immediately.
To prevent powdery mildew, spray your plants with a mixture of one-third milk and two-thirds water. Apply it to all leaf surfaces early on a dry, sunny day, and repeat every 10 to 14 days. This solution can also treat mild cases of mildew.
Supporting Your Squash
As squash fruits grow, they can become heavy and may cause vines to break if left unsupported. To prevent this, place tiles or slate under the young fruits to protect them from rot in wet weather. For sprawling varieties, consider using trellises or arches, but be mindful of the added weight. Secure the fruits with a fabric sling (old pantyhose work well) to avoid vine damage.
Harvesting Squash
- Summer Squash: These should be harvested as soon as they reach a usable size. Simply cut them off the vine and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Winter Squash and Pumpkins: These are ready to harvest from early to mid-autumn. Look for firm skins that cannot be pierced with a fingernail and stems that have toughened. The leaves will also start to die back when they’re ready.
Storing and Curing Winter Squash
Before storing winter squash, they need to be cured to reduce moisture and improve shelf life. If the weather is dry, cure them outside in the sun. In wet conditions, bring them indoors to cure in a warm, dry place. Cut back foliage around the fruits and harvest them with a sharp pair of pruners, leaving a short portion of the stem intact.
After curing, store squash in a cool, dry place. To protect them further from rot, wipe the skins with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). This will act as a final barrier against mold and decay.
Properly cured squash can last anywhere from a month (for types like spaghetti squash) to six months (for varieties like hubbard and buttercup).
By following these tips, you can ensure your squash plants stay healthy, productive, and pest-free throughout the growing season. Happy gardening and enjoy your harvest, whether it’s a comforting soup or a delicious pie!