Squashes can be divided into summer squashes and winter squashes but both the varieties grow on vines and have yellow flowers. The summer squash includes a wide variety of squashes in different colors and shapes. Some of them are straight necked, crooked necked, Zucchini, etc. Winter varieties include acorn, butternut, spaghetti, etc and they too come in different sizes, shapes and colors.

The main essentials needed for the growth of squash is good sunlight, fertile soil and adequate moisture. Care should be taken to plant squash when the temperature in the area is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Planters usually plant squash seeds in a mound of about one or two feet in diameter. The soil should be well prepared by adding organic matter which includes compost and decomposed manure.

The seeds should be sowed only when the danger of frost is completely eliminated and the soil is warm. The mounds made for summer squash should be roughly 3to 4 feet apart and the winter squash should be spaced about 4 to 5 feet apart. The squash seeds can be prepared for planting 3 to 4 weeks before the planting date. The seeds can be planted in peat pots but care should be taken that there is no root disturbances of the seedlings while transplanting. The seedlings should be hardened before planting them in the garden to lessen or reduce the impact and shock of transplanting.

Tending is also an important procedure while growing squash plants. The planter has to water the plants deeply at least once a week. But care should be taken that water droplets do not fall on the leaves while watering because they encourage diseases. The weeds should be kept at bay around the plants. Side- dressing is an important procedure in their tending to assure new growth and high breed fruits.

A natural pesticide made of wood ashes, water and dehydrated lime can be used to ward off the cucumber beetles which are the worst pests of these crops. The insecticide should be sprayed on all the sides of the plant. While harvesting both the summer squash varieties and the winter squash varieties, the stems should be cut off with needle-nose pruning shears. The best breed of squashes is about six inches and they taste heavenly. To prevent shriveling, the winter squashes should be stored in a dry and cool area. They are commonly used in recipes where they are baked or steamed.

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