How to Grow Summer Squash From Seeds
- 1). Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches with a hoe after the last expected frost of the year. Ideally, the soil temperature should be a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun, if possible.
- 2). Mix in 2 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil. Summer squash needs nutrient-rich soil to grow.
- 3). Dig 1-inch deep holes every 24 to 36 inches. If planting multiple rows, space them at least 36 inches apart.
- 4). Drop three seeds into each hole. Fill in the holes with loosely packed soil.
- 5). Water the soil until moist to a depth of 2 inches. Water again each time the soil dries out. A good regimen to go by is to water the soil in the early morning each day, unless rain is expected.
- 6). Thin the seedlings once they reach 1 inch in height, if necessary. You should only have one plant grow in each spot.
- 7). Add a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants once they reach a height of 4 inches. This will retain soil moisture and help the shallow roots stay covered.
- 8). Harvest the squash once they reach 6 to 8 inches in length. This can happen in as little as a week after they flower.
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