Summer Squash
Summer Squash
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.
$6400
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$328
Returns per Acre
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.