INFORMATION FROM
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Summer Squash
Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture
Planting
Summer squash should be planted between April 20 and Aug 15, May 10 and Aug 1, and May 15 and July 15 in Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky.
Mound soil into hills about 4 inches high.
Hills should be spaced about 4 feet apart, depending on the gourd variety.
Plant seeds at a depth of 1 inch. If starting as transplants, plant seeds 3 to 4 weeks before planned planting date.
Thin to 2-3 plants per hill once seeds have germinated.
If planting in a container it should contain 5 gallons for each plant
Consult the back of the seed packet for more information specific to your squash variety.
Care and Harvest
Like cucumbers, summer squash can be trellised to prevent some disease and fungal problems.
Water is especially important after buds form.
About 1 inch per week (including rain) should be enough, but 2 may be necessary during hot, dry weather.
Summer squash are ready for harvest 50-55 days after the seeds were planted.
Yellow squash and zucchini should be 4 to 8 inches in length when picked. Scallop squashes should be 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
Picking smaller fruit will encourage more flowering.