Our squash plants are growing in large 4.5" pots and are seeded with 1-2 plants per pot. It is not necessary to divide them just plant them together in a "hill" which will allow plants to spread in 2 directions. These are very large plants which are hard to keep contained in a large pot so they do best in the ground. Allow 3 feet per pot of growing space.
Summer squash are very easy to grow and are likely the most frequently shared with neighbors of all the vegetables. They can be so prolific that you may be overwhelmed. Warm, dry weather is best for these plants as cool, moist weather will make the young fruits rot on the vine.
Squashes are large sprawling plants that take up a lot of room in the garden. Allow at least 3 feet diameter per plant or plant in rows that are that wide and space plants about 2 1/2 feet apart.
Sometimes, if the weather is very moist and cool, you may see some white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. This is called Powdery Mildew which is a fungus. While it is not good for the overall health of the plant, there is very little that you can do except wait for warm sunny weather. The good news is that it is not likely to damage the fruit. Always water low to the ground and never use sprinklers to water your vegetable garden.
Squash roots will grow to a depth of 3-feet if the soil is good, so water slowly and deeply. If the plant is under stress from lack of moisture, it will stop producing fruit. It will pick up again when water is supplied. Leaves often wilt in the middle of the day during hot spells, but check the soil for moisture below the surface. The male flowers open first, and about a week or so later you'll see the female flowers with-baby squashes at their bases. Occasionally these early fruits will rot and shrivel up because of cool weather, be patient and more will come along later. All the flowers are edible and they can be stuffed with ricotta cheese and deep fried. Pick fruits when they are fairly young for best flavor being careful to pick all the fruits or you may find a hidden zucchini a few days later that is 2 feet long!
