Summer Garden Series: Squash

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Last summer, I grew mostly herbs, and a few peppers. This year, after hearing how easy and fruitful squash and zucchini are to grow, I decided to add them to the mix. This post is the latest in my summer garden series, and I’m going to share with you how to grow, care for and harvest squash in a container.

 

Growing Squash:

  • Start from seed or seedling. Crookneck squash is a great container vegetable, just make sure the pot is large enough.
  • Add potting soil to the container, the plant the seeds or seedlings and fill in with the rest of the soil
  • Squash needs full sun
  • You’ll want to have two plants in the pot so they can cross-pollinate – this will ensure you get a big harvest
  • Water the plants regularly, and fertilize with an organic vegetable fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
  • You can also add epsom salts to your watering can (about 2 tbsp for each watering) or shake about 2 tbsp directly into the soil about every two weeks. This helps make sure the magnesium levels are right, and will help reduce chances of blossom end rot.

Harvesting Squash:

The plant produces HUGE leaves, like the ones below. The flowers are also beautiful – big and yellow. However, the big leaves can hide te fruit, and if you don’t harvest it when it’s about 6 inches long and about 2 inches wide, the skin can become tough and the fruit will be full of seeds. 

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 In order to see all the fruit your plant is producing, you need to lift up the leaves and look closely. When you see a fruit that looks about the size of the one below from my plant (about 6 inches in length), harvest it by grabbing the widest part and twisting. Tug a little if needed. The squash should snap off.

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 Me, with our first squash of the 2013 season!

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 Uses for Squash:

  • In salads
  • In pastas
  • Roasted, and on a sandwich
  • In a casserole
  • Raw, sliced, and dipped in hummus or tzatziki
  • Marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar then grilled or roasted
  • Sliced lengthways, then grilled – which is what we did with our squash and it was delicious with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Yum!

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