What it needs & gives back
↓ Needs
Lightfull sun
Watermedium to high
Organic_matterheavy feeder
↑ Gives back
Mulch_biomasshigh
Fruitedible
Companions
plantplantplantplantplantplant
Common bean
Part of the 'Three Sisters' planting, beans fix nitrogen for the squash.
Corn Maize
Part of the 'Three Sisters' planting, corn provides a stalk for squash to climb.
Nasturtium
Can help deter squash bugs and other pests.
Runner bean
Part of the 'Three Sisters' planting, beans provide nitrogen for squash.
Sunflower
Provides shade for squash and can act as a physical support for vining varieties.
Catnip
Reported to deter squash bugs and other pests from squash.
Keep apart from
Through the year
Through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceSeeds germinate when soil temperatures are consistently warm.
floweringFlowering begins approximately 6-8 weeks after emergence and continues for an extended period.
fruitingFruit set occurs shortly after flowering, with continuous production throughout the growing season.
harvestFruits are harvested continuously as they reach desired size, typically starting a week after fruit set.
senescencePlants decline and die back with the first autumn frosts.
Soil interactions
Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Soil textureloam, sandy loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow
Propagation
Methodsseed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~0 yr
Self-seedingLight
Wildlife & pests
Attractsbees, other pollinators
Can host pestssquash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids, squash vine borers
Can host diseasespowdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt