Grow Summer Squash Zone 6

Zucchini jokes aside I love summer squash and I can’t get enough of it. In a cruel twist of fate, neither of my sons likes summer squash which only made me more determined to find recipes to “secretly” use it in.

Summer squash are a favorite in many home gardens due to their easy cultivation and prolific harvests. They do fabulous in Zone 6.

Here's a complete guide to help you successfully grow summer squash in your organic garden.

Varieties

Don’t be guilty of thinking that zucchini is the only type of summer squash. There are so many options. Consider types such as yellow crookneck, pattypan, or Lebanese known for their flavor and resilience. Choose disease-resistant varieties to reduce the risk of common squash diseases.

Lebanese

Middle Eastern type of zucchini that is rounder. Sometimes called a Kousa or Magda squash.

White Bush

Thick flesh is not as watery as most zucchini and they hold up very well during baking and grilling. In college, I had a friend from Lebanon who would make “Stuffed Kousa Squash” which was absolutely delicious (see recipe at end of article). 50 days. Open-pollinated.

Patty Pan or Scalloped

Patty Pans come in green and yellow varieties. They have scalloped edges and remind me of small flying saucers.

Benning’s Green Tint

This is my favorite. Excellent flavor and has a very tender. The skin is edible so dont worry about peeling all those curves. 55 days. Open-pollinated.

Patty Pan and Round Zucchini

Round Zucchini

Small round fruits 2–3" in diameter. Good disease resistance. These are the most popular squash if you want to make the Mexican dish calabacitas. 40 days. F-1 hybrid.

Eight Ball

My favorite round zucchini, it’s very disease-resistant. 50 Days. F1 Hybrid.

Yellow Squash

Several types including straight and crookneck

Yellow Crookneck

My favorite (on Amazon). Has a terrific buttery flavor. These are the yellow squash with bumpy skin. The seeds do get rather large so pick when they are 5-6 inches long. Great for seed collecting. 58 days. Open-pollinated.

Multipik

A yellow straight neck that is very productive. Popular with farmers. 50 days. F1 Hybrid.

Zucchini

Black Zucchini

Black Beauty (on Amazon) is a great one with an excellent flavor and high yields. Bright green. 50 days. Open-pollinated.

Raven

During editing, I found out Johnny’s has discontinued this variety. I’m sad because I bet I’ve been growing it for 25 years. Good news Pinetree Seeds is carrying it. This is a perfect example of why not to get attached to hybrids! Raven has been the standard for farmers to grow nice uniform firm plants. 48 days. F1 Hybrid.

Check out my Author Page on Amazon

Soil Preparation

Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12-18 inches and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.

If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost to improve its structure and fertility. Adding organic matter helps the soil retain moisture and provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.

A pH of 5.8–6.8 is best.

Use landscape fabric to warm the soil and row cover to protect young plants from insects. Remove row cover when temps warm and before plants flower.

Planting

Squashes are sun worshippers although they do need moisture. Plant summer squash seeds directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 60°F (15°C).

A good soil thermometer is handy to make sure the soil is warm enough. I have this one (amazon link) and it’s handy because the soil and air temperature are often several degrees different.

Direct sow

Sow seeds 1 inch deep and space bush types 36 inches apart in rows, or plant in hills with 2 - 3 seeds per hill.

Transplants

I plant squashes inside around April 1st. (No joke!) germination temperature between 70–90°F.

May 1st I start to plant outside but under row cover.

when planting outside space plants 18-24" apart in rows 4' apart.

It’s recommended to plant vining squashes 6-8 feet apart. I don’t do that because I feel it’s a waste of space. Although sometimes it feels like I’m wading into an alligator pit as I tiptoe through vines to harvest fruits.

Succession Planting

I always succession plant summer squashes every 2-3 weeks.

• First, I have had terrible issues with the persistent squash bug, so honestly if they are harming fruits I just pull the plant and I have another all ready to start producing.

• Second, the yield can vary so if older plants start declining in production I have upcoming younger plants

• Thirdly I love squash and succession planting allows me to grow many cultivars.

Rotating Crops

Crop rotation is very important to prevent disease build-up in the soil. Squash bugs can overwinter in the soil. Avoid planting summer squash in the same location year after year.

When a single crop is planted in the same area, over and over again, it creates an ideal environment for pests and diseases to thrive. As a result, many commercial farmers often resort to using large quantities of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

This kills many beneficial insects as well leading to a loss of biodiversity affecting pollinators and wildlife such as birds and toads which eat insects.

Companion Planting

Utilize companion planting by growing summer squash alongside companion plants such as nasturtiums, marigolds, and herbs to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

One popular companion plant for summer squash is bush beans. These two plants are mutually beneficial when planted together, as bush beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help promote healthy growth in summer squash. Additionally, the leafy growth of the bush beans can provide some shade and protection for the squash plants.

Check out my article GROW A NATIVE AMERICAN THREE SISTERS GARDEN.
Another advantageous companion for summer squash is radishes. Radishes can act as a natural pest deterrent, particularly for squash vine borers, by confusing them with their strong scent. Additionally, radishes are a quick-growing crop, which means they can be harvested before they interfere with the spreading nature of summer squash.
Marigolds are also known to be beneficial companions for summer squash. These vibrant flowers are effective at repelling various pests, including nematodes, which can be detrimental to summer squash roots. Planting marigolds alongside summer squash can help deter pests and promote a healthier growing environment.

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture by watering the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Water the base of the plants and not the leaves, reducing the risk of foliar diseases.

Squashes benefit from drip irrigation.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, reduce weed competition, and insulate the soil. However, remember squash bugs will hide under mulch.

As I’ve said I like landscaping fabric for squashes. It helps reduce weeds in between the plants and also conserves water.

Fertilization

Squash loves rich fertile soil. Apply fish emulsion as a foliar feed when the vines begin to develop and again when the fruits start to form. compost tea works well for pumpkins and if your soil is low in nitrogen side dress with some alfalfa meal.

I grew up on a typical Kentucky farm with horses, cattle, and tobacco. We had a humongous manure pile plus spread manure in the fields. Every summer my father planted squash seeds right in the manure pile on the side that was aged. They loved it and we always had tons of squash.

Check out my YouTube channel

Pest and Disease Control

Squash bugs are the most prolific pest of both summer and winter squashes. They can cause serious damage to crops if left unchecked, as they can quickly infest an entire garden. Once they hit the adult stage they are quite difficult to manage.

Control pests and diseases through organic methods such as handpicking pests, using row covers, and applying organic pesticides such as Pyrethrin sprays or neem oil. Monitor the plants regularly to catch issues early and prevent them from spreading.

Read my article GET RID OF SQUASH BUGS ORGANICALLY.

Harvesting

Harvest summer squash when they are young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long for most varieties. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production and prevents the fruits from becoming oversized and tough.

Ways to Use Squash

Grilled Squash Skewers:

Slice the squash into rounds or cubes, marinate with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill for a flavorful side dish.

Stuffed Squash:

Hollow out zucchini or yellow squash and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, vegetables, and cheese. Bake until the squash is tender.

Squash Fritters:

Shred the squash and combine with eggs, flour, and seasonings to create delicious fritters. Pan-fry until golden brown.

Sautéed Squash Medley:

Sauté sliced squash with other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions for a quick and vibrant side dish.

Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles):

Use a spiralizer to turn zucchini into noodle-like strands. Toss them with your favorite pasta sauce or stir-fry for a low-carb alternative.

Summer Squash Casserole:

Layer sliced squash with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole.

Raw Squash Salad:

Slice the squash thinly and toss with a light vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a refreshing summer salad.

Squash Soup:

Blend cooked squash with broth, onions, and spices to create a creamy and nutritious summer squash soup.

Roasted Squash with Herbs:

Roast squash chunks with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a simple and flavorful side dish.

Squash and Cheese Quesadillas:

Add sautéed squash slices to your favorite cheese-filled quesadilla for a tasty twist.

Squash Ribbon Salad:

Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of squash, then toss them with a light citrus dressing and nuts for a unique salad.

Squash and Corn Salsa:

Combine diced summer squash with fresh corn, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a vibrant salsa to serve with chips or alongside grilled proteins.

Stuffed Kousa Squash Recipe

(Vegetarian Version - Omnivores can mix in some ground sausage if desired)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium kousa squash

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• Olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the kousa squash and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow cavity.
3. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese if using.
6. Stuff each kousa squash with the quinoa and chickpea mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
7. Place the stuffed squash in a baking dish, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
9. Once the squash is cooked through, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy!!

Author, Ame Vanorio, loves to eat and grow squashes! The founder of Fox Run EEC she is a Master Gardener and Wildlife Rehabilitator. Check out her Author Page on Amazon.