Category Groups » Vegetables » Squash and Pumpkins
FAQs
How can I control squash bugs?
Squash bugs can be serious pests of summer and winter squash. Squash bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts. Heavy feeding causes entire leaves to wilt, turn brown, and die. Several methods can be used to control squash bugs in the garden. Brick red egg masses on the undersides of leaves and squash ....
How do I prevent damage to my squash plants from the squash vine borer?
The squash vine borer is a common pest of squash and pumpkins in home gardens in Iowa. Damage first appears as wilting of the vines. Eventually affected plants may collapse and die. The adult squash vine borer is a wasp-like moth. Adult borers emerge from the ground in late spring. Adult ....
When can I plant squash in my vegetable garden?
Summer and winter squash are warm-season crops. Plant squash after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, summer and winter squash can be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant 1 week earlier. Plant 1 week later in northern portions of the state. Winter squash should ....
When should I harvest butternut squash?
Butternut squash are mature (ready to harvest) when the skin is hard (can’t be punctured with the thumbnail) and uniformly tan in color. When harvesting, leave a 1-inch stem on each fruit. After harvesting, cure butternut squash at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 80 ....
Are white fruited pumpkins edible?
White fruited pumpkins are edible. White fruited varieties, such as ‘Lumina,’ have a white skin and orange flesh. They are chiefly grown for their unique “ghostly” appearance. However, the orange flesh is suitable for cooking. ....
The fruit on my zucchini squash begin to grow, but quickly turn brown and rot. Why
The rotting of the small squash fruits could be due to poor pollination or blossom-end rot. For squash fruit to develop fully, bees and other pollinators must transport pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. If the female flowers aren’t pollinated properly, the fruit will begin to grow and ....
What is the proper way to harvest and store winter squash?
Harvest winter squash when the fruit are fully mature. Mature winter squash have very hard skins that can’t be punctured with the thumbnail. Additionally, mature winter squash have dull-looking surfaces. When harvesting winter squash, handle them carefully to avoid cuts and bruises. These injuries are not only unsightly, they provide entrances ....
When should I harvest my pumpkins?
Pumpkins can be harvested when they have developed a deep, uniform orange color and the rind is hard. Mature pumpkins can also be left in the garden/field until the vines are killed by a light frost or freeze. When harvesting pumpkins, handle them carefully to avoid cuts and bruises. ....
When should I harvest my summer squash?
Harvest zucchini and other long-fruited summer squash varieties when the fruit are 1½ to 2 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches long. Scalloped types are best when 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Fruit should have soft skins (rinds) that are easy to puncture with a fingernail. Seeds ....
When should I harvest spaghetti squash?
Harvest spaghetti squash when the fruit color changes from ivory white to golden yellow. When harvesting spaghetti squash, leave a 1-inch stem attached to each fruit. Store mature fruit in a cool, dry location. ....