It is a must-know for gardeners what produce grows and thrives during specific seasons. Some plants appreciate the hot, scorching heat of summer such as sweet potatoes, corn, and peppers, while others such as cabbages and kale never let the cold bother them during winter.

For squashes, however, it is a different story. They can be classified into two types: summer and winter squashes. Although related to seasons, these types do not necessarily grow during their respective seasons. Instead, these categories are based on what stage of growth the plant is harvested at.

Summer squash is harvested when the fruit is relatively small and the skin is still tender. Winter squash, on the other hand, is harvested at maturity. Unlike the summer type, this has thicker and harder seeds and skin, and firmer flesh.

Summer VS Winter Squash

Regarding their nutritional values, a hundred grams of raw summer squash has 16 grams of calories, 73% of which are carbohydrates. Raw winter squash has 34 grams of calories where 90% is carbohydrates. Summer squashes have higher vitamin C, folate, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus content, while winter types have higher vitamin A, beta-carotene, calcium, copper, and iron minerals.

So, which type do you prefer between the summer and winter squashes? The small and soft fruit or the firm and mature fruit? The higher vitamin C content for boosting your immune system or the one with a higher carbohydrate content necessary for energy consumption? If you’re still undecided, let us know more about their differences in terms of their varieties, growing methods, and harvesting techniques.

Summer and Winter Squash Varieties for Your Garden

This long list includes 18 different varieties of squash! To make it more interesting as you read, I assigned the first 8 varieties as summer squash, while the next 10 as the winter squashes! Do not worry I will provide a quick summary of them at the end of this section! Let us start this mini-game!

1. Zucchini

The fruit of zucchini has a dark green color and pale greenish-white flesh. It is long and cylindrical, which usually decreases in circumference at the stem end. It has a mild flavor: a mix of slightly sweet and slightly bitter. Cooking zucchini enhances its sweet flavor which is one of the main features in a ratatouille dish.

Some other subtypes of zucchini are described below:

• Eight Ball Zucchini. As the name suggests, this squash variety is small, round, and about the size of a billiard ball. It has a dark green skin and a mild flavor.
• Cousa Squash. Also known as Lebanese or Middle Eastern zucchini, cousa squash is light green and often has pale green stripes. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.

2. Yellow Squash

This type of squash is similar to zucchini in terms of its shape, flavor, and texture, except that it is, you guessed it, yellow! Interesting that in this variety, the young fruit with a sweet flavor profile is preferred over the mature one. Enjoy this squash raw, sauteed, grilled, or pickled.

3. Yellow Crookneck Squash

This squash variety has a distinct curved neck and smooth, yellow skin. It has a buttery flavor and a slightly firmer texture compared to zucchini.

4. Patty Pan Squash

Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash or button squash, has a unique scalloped edge and is available in various colors, including white, yellow, and green. They have a tender and delicate flavor. Under this type, there is sunburst squash! Sunburst squash is a type of pattypan squash with a bright yellow color and a characteristic sunburst pattern on its skin. It has a similar taste and texture to other pattypan varieties.

5. Tromboncino Squash

This squash has a unique elongated shape, similar to a trombone. When young, it can be used like zucchini, and when mature, it develops a nutty flavor and can be used more like a winter squash.

6. Mexican Grey Squash (Calabacita)

This squash has a grayish-green skin and a soft, creamy texture. It is commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.

7. Chayote Squash

Chayote squash, also known as vegetable pear or mirliton, has a pale green or white color and a mild, crisp texture. It is often used in salads, stir-fries, and soups.

8. Tatume Squash

This variety is popular in the southern United States and Mexico. It has a green mottled skin and a sweet flavor.

9. Spaghetti Squash

The name spaghetti squash came from the fact that its flesh, when separated, resembles long and translucent spaghetti pasta. Its fruit is medium-sized and oblong in shape, with a creamy yellow outer skin. It has a relatively mild and neutral flavor. When cooked, it becomes tender with a slight crunch, perfect as a substitute for pasta noodles in recipes.

10. Acorn Squash

Similar to an acorn, this type of squash has dark green with yellow-gold ridged rind and golden-orange flesh. Similarly, it is mildly sweet with hints of buttery flavor and a dry texture. This is commonly paired with a wide variety of savory and sweet seasonings.

11. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of the most common and well-loved varieties. It has a tan, bell-shaped body with smooth, creamy skin and sweet, orange flesh. Butternut squash is fantastic for roasting, soups, and purees.

12. Delicata Squash

Delicata squash has a cream-colored, elongated body with green stripes. The skin is thin and edible, and the flesh is sweet and tender. Delicata squash is great for roasting.

13. Hubbard Squash

Hubbard squash is one of the larger varieties, with a bumpy, thick, and often blue-gray or orange skin. The flesh is sweet and starchy, making it suitable for baking and mashing.

14. Kabocha Squash

Also known as Japanese pumpkin, kabocha squash has a dense texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. It has a green or orange skin, and the flesh is vibrant orange. Kabocha squash is excellent for roasting and making soups.

15. Sugar Pumpkin

Sugar pumpkins are smaller and sweeter than the large carving pumpkins. They have a round shape and a smooth, orange skin. Sugar pumpkins are commonly used for making pumpkin puree for pies, soups, and other sweet and savory dishes.

16. Buttercup Squash

Buttercup squash has a round, squat shape with green or dark gray skin and a dense, sweet orange flesh. It is delicious when baked or steamed.

17. Red Kuri Squash

Red Kuri squash, also known as Hokkaido squash, has a teardrop shape and a bright red or orange skin. Its flesh is smooth, nutty, and sweet. Red Kuri squash is great for roasting and purees.

18. Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

This pumpkin variety is flat and round, resembling a wheel of cheese. It has a pale tan skin and a rich, sweet flavor, making it ideal for pies and other desserts.

Summer Squash Varieties

Some types of summer squash are zucchini, yellow, yellow crookneck, pattypan, trombocino, mexican grey, chayote, and tatume.

Summer Squash Varieties

Winter Squash Varieties

There are different varieties of winter squash. They include spaghetti , acorn , butternut, delicata, hubbard, kabocha , sugar pumpkin, buttercup, red kuri, and long island cheese pumpkin, among others.

Winter Squash Varieties

So after choosing what variety you would like based on your garden size and food preference, the next question would be, “Are you ready to grow in your garden?”

Guide to Growing Squash (Are They Easy to Grow?)

You might ask, “Are squashes easy to grow?” Well, I am here to keep that off your chest and encourage you to start your own garden.

Growing Summer Squash

In growing summer varieties, you can start by following the steps I outlined below.

1. Choose the Right Variety. There are various types of summer squash to choose from, as mentioned earlier. Select a variety that suits your taste and gardening space. Zucchini and yellow crookneck squash are popular choices for their flavor and productivity.
2. Select a Sunny Location. This type thrives in full sunlight. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
3. Prepare the Soil. This type prefers well-draining, fertile soil. Amend your garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its nutrient content and drainage. The soil pH should be around 6.0 to 6.8 for optimal growth.
4. Planting. You can start from seeds indoors or directly sow them in the garden once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In most regions, this is in the late spring or early summer.
   • If starting indoors, plant the seeds in small pots about 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant them outdoors when they have developed a few leaves and the soil is warm.
   • If planting directly in the garden, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart in rows or hills. Hills help with drainage and allow the squash to sprawl.

Growing Winter Squash

In the case of winter squash, some steps would be the same for the summer squash. However, there are some modifications. Check them out in the steps below.

1. Choose the Right Variety. Select a variety that suits your taste and gardening space. Some popular varieties include butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and kabocha squash.
2. Select a Sunny Location. Same as above, this also thrives in full sunlight.
3. Prepare the Soil. Like summer squash, this type prefers well-draining, fertile soil. You can also use the details above for this part.
4. Planting. Winter squash is usually planted directly in the garden, as they don't transplant well due to their sensitive root systems. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up in the late spring or early summer.
   • Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 3-4 feet apart in rows or hills. Hills help with drainage and prevent waterlogging. Leave enough space between plants, as they can spread out and require room to grow.

Guide to Growing With the Proper Conditions

1. Provide Adequate Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as squash plants can be susceptible to root rot. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases.

2. Mulching

Applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth.

3. Fertilize

Squash is a heavy feeder. Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks to ensure they receive sufficient nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.

When the first blooms appear, it is best to side dress with a balanced fertilizer. This gives plants a boost as they try to produce fruit or blooms. In the side dressing method, the fertilizer is applied just at the sides, without it touching the plant.

4. Pruning and Training

As the squash plants grow, you may want to prune or train the vines to prevent them from overtaking other plants or covering too much space. Gently guide the vines along a trellis or support structure to keep them organized.

5. Pest and Disease Control

Keep an eye out for common pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases. You can use natural remedies or organic pesticides if needed.

Tips to Keep Squashes Growing in Your Garden

• Squash seedlings do not always transplant well
• Squash grows best directly sown from seed or very young transplants.
• Plant a few summer squash seeds in midsummer to avoid problems from squash vine borers and other early-season pests and diseases.
• Do not over-cultivate. Be careful when weeding around squash plants since you might damage the plant’s shallow roots.
• Sow winter squash seeds by late May or early July since they require a long growing season, generally 75 to 100 frost-free days.
• There is a lot of space for sprawling vines. Most full-size winter squash varieties need 50 to 100 square feet to spread.

How to Ensure Pollination?

Most squash plants produce both male and female flowers; but the lack of pollination activity resulting from chemicals, poor weather, and lack of pollinator habitats, will not result in a fruit-bearing plant. To attract more pollinators such as bees, plant flowers near your squash plants. You could also help in pollinating by manually transferring pollen using a cotton swab or a paintbrush.

Best Harvesting Techniques

Harvest summer squash when the fruit is still tender and a bit immature, at about 6 to 8 inches long for more flavor. Be careful not to damage the soft stem when cutting the fruit off from the vine using a sharp knife. Leave an inch or so of the plant’s stem. Harvest before the first fall frost since they are susceptible to frost and heat damage, or else your fruits will all go to waste.

Unlike summer squash, winter squash is harvested when it is fully mature. This is when the vine leaves die back and turn brown, the stems dry out and get tough, and the rind is deep in color and hard. Also remove the fruit from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving an inch or so of the stem.

How to Store Winter Squash

After harvesting, it's essential to cure winter squash to improve their flavor and prolong storage life. Cure the squash in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for about 1-2 weeks. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place for several months.

FAQs

What are the common squash pests and diseases?

To prevent insects such as squash and cucumber beetles from eating the leaves, cover the plants with row covers or insect mulch until they begin blooming. Eradicate pests and insects as they will spread viruses and diseases that may cause more destruction to your plants.

Leaf discoloration is often a sign of a disease. White powdery spots are a symptom of powdery mildew, while tan or yellow angular spots are a symptom of downy mildew. Use fungicides to cure them or plant fungi-resistant varieties.

How to store squash?

Before storing squash, prepare a bleach rinse, prepared by mixing half a cup of bleach and five cups of water. Wash the skin to sanitize it and eliminate bacteria. Air-dry then store in a cool, dark, and dry place with good air circulation. Occasionally look for signs of rotting and remove the ones that show signs of decaying.

What are the companion plants of squash?

Squash is part of the three sisters, together with corn and beans. To know more about this symbiotic relationship, check out THE ABCS OF SWEET CORN: THE SECRETS OF AN ABUNDANT HARVEST.

Conclusion

Summer and winter squashes are grown in a similar manner: direct sowing of their seeds is preferred. They also both need sufficient water and fertilizer, and adequate pollination and care. Winter types generally take a longer time to grow so take that into account.

As we have said previously, the summer varieties are harvested when the fruit is still tender while the winter varieties are harvested at maturity. When harvesting, you need to use a sharp blade, leaving an inch of the stem to the plant.

Summer and winter types vary in their varieties in terms of their shape and color but they have a generally mild flavor, with small differences in their tastes. Pick the ones that are the perfect ingredient for your home cooked meals.

Now that we have gone through everything you need to know, let me ask you this again: which type do you prefer between the summer and winter squashes?