Early Summer Squash

EARLY SUMMER SQUASH CARE GUIDE

February-march / august-October 

Repotting or planting a summer squash seedling is pretty straightforward. Here’s step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Spot

Summer squash needs full sun, so pick a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the Soil

Squash prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6-7). If you're planting in the ground, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.

3. Pick the Right Container (for repotting)

If you're repotting, use a pot that’s about 1-2 inches larger than the current container. Make sure it has drainage holes.

When repotting squash seedlings, you'll want to choose a pot that gives the roots plenty of room to grow without being too large. Here’s the best size to go for:

- For a Young Seedling: A *5 to 6-inch (12-15 cm) pot* is ideal for a small squash seedling. This size allows the roots to spread out but isn't so big that the plant will get overwhelmed with too much extra space.

- If the Seedling Is Already Larger: If your squash seedling is a bit more mature, you might use a *7 to 8-inch (18-20 cm) pot*. This gives enough room for root growth without having to repot too frequently.

Why This Size?

- Squash plants grow quickly, and they’ll need a bit of room to develop their root system. However, planting in a pot that’s too large can cause the soil to stay too wet around the roots, which can lead to rot.

- Make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Once the squash seedlings start outgrowing the pot (typically after a few weeks), you’ll need to either transplant them into a larger pot or directly into the ground. 

4. Fill the Pot/Planting Hole

- For repotting: Fill the pot with a good-quality potting mix, leaving enough space for the seedling to fit comfortably.

- For in-ground planting: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the seedling, typically about 1.5 times the size of the root ball.

5. Plant the Seedling

- For repotting: Gently remove the seedling from its original pot. If the roots are circling the pot, loosen them a bit with your fingers. Place the seedling in the new pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

- For in-ground planting: Place the seedling into the hole so that its soil level matches the surrounding ground. Avoid planting too deep, as this can cause rot.

6.Backfill & Water

Fill in around the seedling with soil, pressing lightly to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

7. Mulch (Optional)

Adding mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and keep weeds in check. Just be sure not to pile it up too high around the stem.

8. Care After Planting

- **Watering**: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.

- **Fertilizing**: Once the plant starts to grow, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth with fewer fruits.

- **Spacing**: Summer squash needs room to spread out. If you’re planting more than one, space them about 18-24 inches apart.

 9. Watch for Pests

Squash plants can attract pests like aphids, squash bugs, or vine borers. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease, and act quickly if needed.

With these steps, your summer squash should thrive! Comment whether you are you planting in containers or directly in the ground?