I love summer squash especially yellow squash. I am growing several different squash varieties. I have Yellow Straight-neck, Golden Scalloped squash, Green Peter Pan squash, Dark Star Zucchini, Aristocrat zucchini, 8 Ball zucchini and Lungo Bianco squash zucchini. I started some of my own from seeds and I purchased some transplants as well. I started my squash indoors in mid April. They are really easy to grow. I began moving them outside during the day to harden them off however I must of left them in too much direct sunlight because several of the leaves were sunburned. The plants recovered and I moved them out to the garden mid May. Of course, that's when we had an unexpected spring snowstorm. Most of the plants survived the storm but some didn't. Once the temperatures outside started heading for the 80's, the plants really took off. I fertilize regularly and have applied an epsom salt spray solution. I have seen some squash bugs around and always hand pick them off. I check the undersides of the leaves regularly for eggs and bugs. So far so good. To contain the plant and make it easier to water, access the squash and to check the undersides of the leaves- I put my squash plants in a metal tomato cage. Due to a lack of bees in the area I'm having to go out every morning and hand pollinate my squash. Every morning there are at least 2 squash flowers to pollinate. That means I have a lot of squash on the way.
Summer Squash Varieties In My Garden
Straight-neck summer squash
This variety requires full sun and matures in 50 days. This variety could also be planted in a container.
This variety requires full sun and matures in 50 days. This variety could also be planted in a container.
Golden Scalloped Squash
This is also called a Patty Pan. This little squash is really cute. This plant requires full sun and matures in 52 days. The packet advised to pick at 2-3 inches in diameter which will make the plant more prolific.
This is also called a Patty Pan. This little squash is really cute. This plant requires full sun and matures in 52 days. The packet advised to pick at 2-3 inches in diameter which will make the plant more prolific.
Peter Pan Scallop Squash
This is a mini patty pan that is light green. They prefer full sun and mature in 50 days. They don't take up very much space and produce over a long period of time.
This is a mini patty pan that is light green. They prefer full sun and mature in 50 days. They don't take up very much space and produce over a long period of time.
Dark Star Zucchini
This variety requires less water than the average zucchini plant. This plant requires full sun and matures in 50 days. This produces 6-8 inch dark green zucchinis. A bonus is that this variety has smooth, spineless stalks so no ouchies when handling the plant.
This variety requires less water than the average zucchini plant. This plant requires full sun and matures in 50 days. This produces 6-8 inch dark green zucchinis. A bonus is that this variety has smooth, spineless stalks so no ouchies when handling the plant.
Aristocrat Zucchini
This plant enjoys full sun and takes 52 days to harvest. This plant has high yields of dark green 6-7 inch fruits.
This plant enjoys full sun and takes 52 days to harvest. This plant has high yields of dark green 6-7 inch fruits.
8 ball Zucchini
This is a mini round zucchini with lots of flavor. Prefers full sun and matures in 55 days. This was the first squash I was able to pick.
This is a mini round zucchini with lots of flavor. Prefers full sun and matures in 55 days. This was the first squash I was able to pick.
Lungo Bianco Zucchini
This squash is a popular variety from Italy. It is a light green cream zucchini. This is a pure imported Italian seed. They should be picked when 6-8 inches long.
This squash is a popular variety from Italy. It is a light green cream zucchini. This is a pure imported Italian seed. They should be picked when 6-8 inches long.