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Want to grow yellow squash?
You’re in the right place!
We’ve got 8 easy tactics to help you out. From planting to harvesting, it’s all covered.
Let’s make your garden thrive! Ready? Let’s go!
Pick the Perfect Spot
Yellow squash loves the sun! Find a sunny spot in your garden where your plants can soak up at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
The more, the merrier. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
A little space between plants helps them grow big and strong, so give them room to breathe.
Prepare the Soil
Yellow squash grows best in rich, well-draining soil. Mix in some compost or aged manure to boost the nutrients.
A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal. If you’re not sure, you can easily test your soil with a kit from the garden store.
Happy soil = happy squash!
Planting Your Seeds
Plant your seeds once the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep, with about 24 inches between each plant.
If you’re starting them indoors, use biodegradable pots that you can transplant directly into the ground. That way, you won’t disturb the roots.
Water Wisely
Yellow squash needs about 1 inch of water per week. Water the plants deeply to encourage strong root development, but avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent diseases.
Morning watering is the best! It gives the plants time to dry out before evening.
Support Your Plants
Sometimes, yellow squash can get a bit heavy and take over your garden. Use stakes or a trellis to support the plants as they grow.
This also helps with air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. Plus, it makes it easier to harvest when the time comes.
Fertilize Regularly
Yellow squash is a bit of a foodie. Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks, but be careful not to overdo it.
Too much nitrogen will give you lots of leaves but not much squash. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the best results.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Squash bugs and vine borers are common problems. Inspect your plants regularly for eggs and pests.
Handpick any offenders and consider using row covers to protect young plants. If things get out of hand, an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can help.
Harvest Time
Yellow squash is ready to pick when it’s about 6 to 8 inches long. Smaller squash tends to be more tender and tasty.
Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut them off the vine. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more, so keep those goodies coming!