What to know

Squash is a quick - time of year vegetable that thrives in well - drained soilandample sunshine . transplant squash seedlings into the garden is crucial for their optimum growth and productivity . This comprehensive pathfinder will take the air you through the essential steps of how to transplant squash , ensuring a successful and big harvest .

1. Choosing the Right Site

The first step in transplanting squash is choose asuitable site . Squash plants command full sun for at least six hours per day . They favor well - drained soilthat is rich in organic subject . head off planting squash in areas that have beenrecently fertilizedwith reinvigorated manure , as this can burn the ancestor .

2. Preparing the Seedlings

Before transplantation , harden off thesquash seedlings . This cognitive process involve bit by bit exposing them to outdoor conditions to help them adapt to the alteration in environment . set out harden off the seedlings by placing them outdoors for a few hours each day , gradually increasingthe duration over a hebdomad or two .

3. Digging the Holes

prod pickle that are twice the width of theroot balland late enough so that the top of the root egg is level with thesoil Earth’s surface . place the kettle of fish 3 to 4 feet apart forsummer squashand 4 to 6 feet apart for winter squash .

4. Planting the Squash

Gently remove the seedlings from their containers , taking carenot to damage the origin . send the seedlings in the maw and backfill with grunge , gently firm it around the base of the plants . pee theplants deeplyto settle the filth and annihilate any air pockets .

5. Mulching

mulch around the squash plants helps keep moisture , suppress smoke , and baffle grunge temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as compost , straw , orshredded leavesas mulch . Apply a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches thick around the plants , leaving a few inches of space around the stem .

6. Watering

squeeze plants needregular lacrimation , peculiarly during red-hot , dry weather . Water the plants deeply , allow the water to penetrate the soil to make the roots . annul overwatering , as this can lead to etymon rot .

7. Fertilizing

8. Pollination

mash plants require pollenation toproduce yield . If you are grow multiple variety of squash , plant them together to encourage cross - pollenation . you may also hand - pollinate the flowers bytransferring pollenfrom the male flower to the female bloom using a small brush or cotton swab .

9. Troubleshooting

wilt : wilt can be do by underwatering , overwatering , orroot damage . assure thesoil moistureand water the works as needed . If thewilting persists , check for root damage and treat accordingly . yellow leaves : yellow leafage can point a nutrient deficiency , such as atomic number 7 or iron . Fertilize the plant with abalanced fertilizerand supplementation withspecific nutrientsif necessary . bloom ending rot : heyday death decomposition is a calcium lack that causes the bottom end of the yield to rot . total calcium to the soil by applying gypsum or suppress shell .

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q : When is the best clip to transpose squash?A : The good time totransplant squashis when the seedlings have grow 2 to 3 sets oftrue leavesand the weather is tender and settled . Q : How deeply should I set squash seedlings?A : Plant the seedling so that the top of theroot ballis level with the soil surface . Q : How often should I water crush plants?A : Water thesquash plants deeplyevery few days , especially during raging , dry weather . Q : What is the good fertilizer for squash plants?A : Use abalanced fertiliser , such as a 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 fertilizer , and take after the program line on the software forapplication ratesand frequency . Q : How can I preclude squash bugs?A : Prevent squash bugsby usingrow coversor applying insecticidal liquid ecstasy .