Squash a good choice for midstate gardens
The cold snap earlier this week was likely a cruel reminder for some that it is still a little early to get many of those summer vegetables planted.
We are getting closer, though. According to the Byron weather station on georgiaweather.net, soil temperatures in our area are around 55 degrees. For many of our summer crops, soils should be between 60 degrees and 65 degrees consistently before planting. This holds true for one of my summer favorites, squash.
Take these last few weeks of cooler temperatures to prepare for a prosperous summer garden.
Both summer squash and winter squash are Southern staples. There are a variety of interesting shapes and sizes to choose from. Summer squash varieties range from the flattened star-shaped patty pan to the dark and round eight-ball and the more common straightneck and crookneck varieties.
Some of the traditional favorites for the winter squash (not, in fact, grown in the winter as the name implies) include butternut, acorn and buttercup. When planning your summer garden, remember that summer squash will need approximately a 3-foot-wide circle, while winter squash are vining and can spread up to 15 feet.
One of the key factors differentiating summer squash from winter squash is when each is harvested. Summer squash are harvested when they still are young and tender, typically between 35 and 45 days. According to University of Georgia Extension horticulturist Bob Westerfield, the fruit should be between 4-6 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter when harvested. Summer squash have a very short shelf-life.
Winter squash, however, are harvested when they are mature, typically between 80 and 120 days. They are harvested as vines start to die back and the rind is tough and resistant to fingernail scratches. Winter squash should be harvested with the stem attached and stored in a cool, dark and dry location. Depending on the temperature and size of the squash, they can be stored from three to six months.
As I've mentioned before, getting plants off to a healthy start will help them resist pests and disease in the long run. Choose a well-drained spot in the full sun. Squash prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8.
Plant four to six summer squash seeds in mounds 4 feet apart. After two leaves appear, thin the plants down to two to three plants per mound. If using transplants, be sure that they have a well-developed root system. Because of the vining nature of winter squash, allow 6 to 8 feet between mounds for plants to spread out.
After the seeds germinate or the transplants are settled, apply a 3-5 inch layer of organic mulch. This might be leaves, straw or newspaper to control weeds, conserve water and keep the fruit clean. Water lightly each day for the first week to ensure good germination. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are the best way to water efficiently and keep plants healthy. As plants grow, water deeply and less frequently, ensuring that moisture penetrates 6-8 inches deep with each watering.
Soil testing prior to planting is the best way to understand what nutrient needs exist in your garden. In the absence of a soil test, apply 3 tablespoons of 5-10-15 fertilizer per mound. After the plants begin to flower and small fruits form, side-dress with additional fertilizer according to the soil test recommendations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 25-April 3: Yoshino cherry tree sale at Central City Park. Look for them across from the Round Building with Macon's own cherry blossoms painted on the front. The Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission will be selling large bare root trees for $10 each, while supplies last.
Contact county Extension agent Karol Kelly at karolk@uga.edu.
This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 10:08 PM with the headline "Squash a good choice for midstate gardens ."