No gardener who loves squash or zucchini has ever resisted the urge to grow pattypan squash. These vegetables are similar, but pattypan squash are more delicate in flavor and more attractive in appearance than their cylindrical relatives. Growing and caring for pattypan squash from seedlings is a more popular method than planting seeds in the ground, as the plants grow stronger and bear fruit faster. We'll tell you how to optimize pattypan squash care now.
Pros and cons of squash
First, I'd like to clarify why gardeners love growing squash so much—what are its benefits? The fact is, reaping such an interesting-looking harvest (and even watching the little squashes develop) is very pleasing aesthetically. Furthermore, the flesh of these fruits is much more tender than that of zucchini or even squash. Many enjoy eating squash raw, and if they do cook it, it's in very simple dishes: fried squash slices or marinated squash (with minimal spices).
However, this vegetable crop also has its downsides. Squash is more sensitive than zucchini: not all soil is suitable for it, and the fruit itself is susceptible to fungal diseases, which can develop a "rash" of dark pits.
What conditions are needed to grow squash in the garden?
This plant prefers fertile soil: unlike squash and zucchini, pattypan squash won't produce well in sandy loam. Black soil or similar light, nutrient-rich soil is best.
As for light, this crop loves full sun. If you plant squash in fertile soil but place the bed in the shade, you'll get a vigorous bush with large leaves but scant fruit. To prevent squash from drying out in the sun and to ensure even growth, water regularly, directing the stream of water into the hole rather than onto the leaves.
Read, How to grow zucchini outdoors.
When to plant squash seedlings?
If you want a large harvest, there's only one answer: the sooner, the better. But here you need to consider your regional climate and weather conditions. Squash won't survive overnight frosts, so they should be planted when the nighttime temperature warms to at least 10 degrees Celsius. The ideal daytime temperature for squash development is around 25 degrees Celsius, so cooler days will slow down the growth of the plants. Generally, squash seedlings are planted in the ground in the second half of May or in June.
Squash – growing and caring for it from seedlings
1. For each seedling, make a hole in the soil 30-40 cm in diameter and 20 cm deep. It has long been noted that squash with larger holes develop much better than those with shallow holes or those with leaking water after watering (this happens if the edges of the hole are eroded). Just before planting, completely fill the hole with water and wait until it is completely absorbed. Place the seedling in the center of the hole, secure it at the base with damp soil, and lightly sprinkle with fine, dry soil (this will prevent the wet soil from drying out too quickly).
2. During the first day, the squash seedlings will be establishing themselves, so it's best to leave them alone and avoid watering them. During the day, the squash leaves will appear limp, but by the next day they'll be filled with the earth's juices and will delight you with a fresh appearance.
3. Water the squash holes regularly: at least once every two days, preferably early in the morning or after sunset. In addition to regular water, it's also a good idea to use special fertilizers: fermented mullein infusion (1 kg of mullein per 30 liters of water) or herbal infusion (1-2 kg of nettle, celandine, or other succulent weeds per 30 liters of water), which should also ferment before watering. Water the squash with these infusions no more than once every two weeks.
4. The first ovaries on squash bushes may appear even before flowering. During this period—both flowering and fruiting—you need to be very careful with the plants. They should be watered more frequently, but top dressing It is better to stop with infusions: their smell can scare away insects, and then the harvest will be meager.
5. When watering (either with water or fertilizer), remember one simple rule: water the squash directly into the hole to avoid splashing the leaves. Otherwise, the plants may get sunburned (if you water in the morning) or develop a fungal disease (if you water in the evening).
6. It takes at least 10 days for a single squash fruit to ripen, so be patient! Remember to inspect your squash plants regularly to remove any diseased fruit promptly. If more than one squash fruit is affected, it's best to isolate the affected plant from other plants by uprooting it and removing it from the garden.
Growing squash from seedlings is a fairly simple task that produces beautiful results!
