Summer Squash
Summer Squash
Summer squashes (Curcurbita pepo) are warm-season cucurbits that are harvested when the fruits are immature. The most common summer squash types include yellow (crookneck and straightneck) and zucchini. Also included in the summer squash group are scallop squashes and cocozelle. Summer squashes grow on plants with a bush growth habit, rather than vining.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- Local Grocery
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Potential disease problems include Choanephora fruit rot, scab and Phytophthora blight. Viruses, downy mildew and powdery mildew mainly cause losses in summer and fall plantings. Cucumber beetles, squash vine borer, spider mites and squash bugs can become serious pests if not controlled.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Grows best in well-drained soil
- Squash produced for the late summer/early fall market usually encounters disease.
- Must be handled very gently to avoid scarring
- Harvest may be required every other day or even daily
Opportunities
- Can be utilized in value-added products such as breads and relishes.
- Black plastic on raised beds with trickle irrigation will speed soil warming and can dramatically increase yield.