Squash

SQUASH AND PUMPKINS (Cucurbita species) CULTURE: Culture of squash and pumpkins is similar to that of cantaloupe and cucumber, also members of the squash family. Squash and pumpkins require warm days and warm nights to mature properly. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1" deep. Bush varieties should be spaced 18 to 30" apart in rows 4' apart or 6 to 8 seeds per hill, in hills 4' equidistant. Vining varieties are planted in rows or hills 6 to 8' apart. Keep soil moisture high by mulching, but do not apply organic mulch until the days are warm. HARVESTING SUMMER SQUASH: Harvest crooknecks and zucchini when 6 to 8" long. Zucchinis will grow large enough to become "attack zucchinis" if you don't keep them harvested. HARVESTING WINTER SQUASH: Winter squash is ready for harvest when the rind loses its shiny luster, becomes duller, and can no longer be dented by a fingernail. After fruits have matured 10 to 15 days past the ripe stage, harvest by cutting stems 1" above the fruit. Do not allow fruits to become frosted. Store at 45- 60oF (7-16oC) and maintain good air circulation. DISEASES: Squash is affected by downy and powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. (See Cucumbers section.) To prevent blossom-end rot, maintain an even supply of moisture. INSECT PESTS: Use pyrethrum or sabadilla to control cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Destroy eggs of squash bug by hand, or deposit eggs in a jar of soapy water. To trap squash bugs, place boards around base of plants. Squash bugs will hide under the boards at night and can be collected in the morning. Vine borers can be cut out of stems by making a cut along the length of the stem and removing larvae of the borers. Some additional protection from borers may be obtained by applying rotenone around the base of the plant. For non-resistant varieties of squash a succession of plantings may be required. Use resistant varieties where possible. SEED SAVERS: There are four species of pumpkins and squash. The species name is usually indicated in parentheses beside the name of each variety. Crossing occurs easily within a species and rarely between species. Isolate varieties of the same species by a minimum of 1/8 mile if you save seed for home use. Pure seed requires hand pollination or a minimum isolation of 1/4 to 1 mile, depending on planting size. SUMMER SQUASH PACKET: 2 to 4 g (about 25 to 59 seeds, average 35 seeds) WINTER SQUASH PACKET: 3 to 5 g (about 22 to 47 seeds, average 31 seeds).