Squash plants bring tasty variety through fall

Last week, we discussed the Three Sisters concept of gardening in which corn, squash and beans are planted simultaneously on a rounded mound of soil.

This week we'll take a closer look a the second sister: squash.

According to Iroquois tribal legend, squash grows over the mound, protecting her sisters from weeds and shades the soil from the sun with her leaves, keeping it cool and moist.

While that is true, squash has much more to offer. I consider the myriad types and cultivars of squash truly amazing. There's an almost endless selection of sizes, shapes and colors.

All squash plants are warm-season vegetables, so plant them after the danger of frost is past. Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crook neck and many other cultivars.

These types of squash grow on more of a bush or non-vining plant and are picked before the squash fruits mature. Because the fruits do not need to be mature when picked, these produce crops quickly and keep producing for many weeks. Plant successive crops until mid-summer for an abundant, continuous harvest.

Winter squash typically grow on much larger plants that produce long vines. Winter squash are not harvested or eaten until they are mature. That means they are going to take several months to grow and mature, so plant them soon to give them a long growing season.

Grow squash in full sun and in fertile, well-drained soils when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Use plastic mulches to enhance maturity and to conserve moisture. Black plastic mulch also helps control weeds. Avoid using organic mulches until soils reach at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Squash are easily grown from seed, but some gardeners prefer transplants. Plant seed 1-2 inches deep. If you grow or buy transplants, they should have two to three mature leaves with well-developed roots. Avoid transplants that are too large and any that have started to vine.

Because the plants are large, they need adequate nutrition. Apply four to six cups of an all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8 or 10-10-10) per 100 square feet before planting. When the plants start to vine or develop runners, side dress with one to two tablespoons of nitrogen fertilizer per plant.

While the plants are easy to grow, there are a few potential problems. Many gardeners complain that their plants look good and produce blossoms but not fruits.