Cucurbita pepo
SPACE REQUIRED: At least 60cm x 60cm.
DISTANCE APART: 60cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Start picking the fruit as soon as it is between 5 and 10cm in diameter and this will also encourage new squash to grow. Pick them when just under ripe.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes, but it needs to be quite large such as a barrel or a tub! Fill it full of premium potting mix. Plant the seedlings and then water. Make sure there is room for the vine to spill over the sides.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes. The garden bed must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. Mix some compost or animal manure into the soil and then plant the seedlings. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil and water the area well.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Squash is best buddies with corn and onion! Plant the corn in amongst the squash vines and include some onion seedlings as well. Squash and radish also get on very well.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Don’t fertilise too early. Wait until the flowers start to appear and then sprinkle on a granular fertiliser especially for fruit and vegetables.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.