Growing Summer Squash

There is more to growing summer squash than just zucchini. I list at least a dozen varieties among my favorites, and all are easy to grow and very prolific. There are the tried and true open pollinated varieties and there are also some exciting hybrid varieties that are definitely worth trying.

Open Pollinated vs. Hybrids

Open pollinated varieties are those that are grown in isolation from other varieties so that the seed is pure and will faithfully produce fruit that is identical to the fruit that the parent plants produced. For seed savers, that is a big advantage. You know what you are going to get from generation to generation.

Insects pollinate squash of all types and they cross easily with other varieties. When they do, you may notice some really strange looking fruits in the garden.

If you are growing summer squash and want to save seed, isolate your plants either by distance in the garden, or by time of blooming to minimize the chance of unintended crossing. Save seed only from fruit that clearly typifies the variety, not from any oddball fruits.

Here Are Some Garden Gnome Growing Tips:

All summer squash are bred to be best when they are picked and eaten while still small and tender, unlike winter squash that have tough skins and big sizes meant for winter storage. So, when your summer squash plants start bearing fruit inspect them daily and pick them small. You’ll get the best flavor and texture, and the plants will keep bearing all season.

Summer squash plants hate to have their roots disturbed, so they don’t transplant well. Ignore the squash plants at the garden center and start your own in the garden from seed. If you must get a fast start on the season, grow or buy transplants only if the are grown in peat of other biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the garden.

Squash plants need lots of room. Plant them no closer than 2 to 3 feet apart, and if you grow them in containers, make sure the containers are at least 5 – 8 gallons in size. Less room and your plants won’t get enough food or water to produce good fruit.

Here Are Some Of My Favorite Varieties:

Zucchini: The most popular of all summer squash, and also the most prolific. There is actually a cookbook entitled, “What To Do With All That Damn Zucchini”. Well-grown plants can produce 2 to 3 fruits per day in the height of the season.

The open pollinated favorites are Black Beauty or Black Magic. There are great hybrids in green, gray, gold and stripes that have wonderful flavor and are even more prolific. There is even a round one called Eight Ball. If you are looking for a good deal, Gurney has a hybrid medley so that you can get several varieties in one seed packet.

I really enjoy zucchini sautéed in a little olive oil with fresh sliced mushrooms. Here is more about growing zucchini.

Yellow Crook Neck: Almost as popular is Yellow Crook Neck summer squash, a tender variety with a buttery flavor and bright yellow color. Steamed and with a dab of butter, this is my absolute favorite. When growing summer squash, don't forget the crook neck.

Yellow Straight Neck: A close relative of the crook neck, these are just as yellow with the same rich flavor, only they are straight instead of curled. The advantage is that most straight neck varieties are more productive than their crook necked cousins.

Patty Pan or Scalloped: These tender little summer squashes come in several colors and patterns and are just fun to put variety on your dinner plate. Some of my favorites are Patty Green, Flying Saucer and Sunburst. Again, Gurney has a hybrid mix packet with several varieties for one price.

Here are some great seed sources:

Gurney's Seed and Nursery

Henry Fields Seed and Nursery

Don’t just grow zucchini this season. Growing summer squash in several varieties will make you the envy of your gardening neighbors.

Happy gardening,

Geefrank

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