Growing Basics For Squash, Melons, and Cucumbers!

Squash, Melons, and Cucumbers all have one thing in common which is that they are all members of the Cucurbit family. This family spans a lot of out favorite summer crops like watermelons, melons, zucchini, pumpkins, squashes, cucumbers, and much more like gourds! Across the board they have a lot of similarities so in this video I cover the basics for getting started with this delicious family of summer classics!

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[donnaokane]

Question! When we say for melons have 1 fruit per vine, is a vine one seed that you put in the ground, or do the side shoots count as their own “vine”

[ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

Squash Vine Borer (SVB) - I'm sorry but have to offer counter information. SVB's can and will lay eggs ANY where on the plant. And it will most likely be on the leaf and stem. Then larvae hatches and then enters the plant through the hollow stem close to where it hatched (which is much easier to penetrate) and then travels down THROUGH the inside of the stem to the main root to munch. This is why it goes undetected until it has killed the plant. The foil wrap will only help where it's applied - in my opinion, is not at all effective. SVB's have attracted to the pheromones produced by the plant - and zucchinis in particular produce a lot, as do most of the primary squash (acorn, spaghetti, et al) to include pumpkins. Tromboncino (center cut) squash do not produce the same type and thus, do not attract the moth very much - and are deemed naturally resistant. Cucumbers can attract them - but the stem vines are not hollow all the way to the main root so even if eggs are laid and they hatch, the larvae are stopped short. I say this after YEARS off battling that moth and it's spawn. And why I grow alternatives to standard zucchini - such as center cut. The method of burying vines/stems to perpetuate alternate roots is a good idea. But, the plant has to be big enough to do that - and in my area, that is a huge challenge that most home gardeners don't get to. Best defense is to cover the plant and hand pollinate. Added: inject BT into the hollow stems once presence is detected. SO sorry for the ramble.

[MelissaWilliams]

The poppy seeds was the coolest. Thank you for showing us.

[markpennella]

Those goofy looking cucumbers are turned into amazing relish ❤

[gail]

A BIG thank you! I am getting predominantly male flowers on my squash; I'll put some male flowers in the frig. Also, I now know why cukes can become distorted!!!!

[leighannf.]

Super helpful for my garden right now, thanks! I was prepared to hand-pollinate every stinking female squash flower (Sweet Meat pumpkin) that I could, but you've steered me straight! LOL

[KK-FL]

That last tip about burying the squash vines is so great! Borers are a huge problem here. Sound like it’s just a good general practice either way though. Thank you!!

[janking]

I really appreciate your informative rather than promotional suggestions. Your content is succinct and to the point. No rambling or drama! I’m looking forward to much more.

[samyu]

Always a wealth of information, Jacques! Thank you! Your garden is beautiful!

[courtneycullen]

The epic 4-cells are perfect for Cucurbits. Perfect. Just crazy easy. I followed your advice for umbrella pruning for my cucurbits! Most of them are growing along my fence or up 6 foot stakes, just a few winter squash sprawling along the ground. They had 3-4 days of acting stalled out after the pruning, and then kicked into a third gear and now I have a ton of baby cukes and squash growing. And definitely more pollinators. I think they appreciate the easier access to the flowers. Any hint of age or disease is gone. THANK YOU! I'll be thinking of you when I pickle next weekend! Now on to my melons!

[NatureLover-ssef]

Hi Jacques, when you have a moment, could you do a video on how you prepare your soil for your in ground garden? I am in Los Angeles, the soil in my backyard is hard rock clay. I amended with organic matters and cow manure but it is still so hard. Nothing wants to grow out of it. Thus far, I am growing in containers but, I want to grow my vegetables inground if possible. Thank you.

[daranall]

Omg! Love the poppy seed harvest add to your video! Thank you. Every bit of info is worth the watch of your videos .

[GardenDiscovery]

Jacques, I feel like your my kindred spirit in the garden world. And thank you so very much for picking my Central Coast California garden for the viewers garden pictures episode with Eric. I was so jazzed about that! Keep up the great work. I chop and drop too.

[patricianelson]

Thank you for all your great info. You are so easy to listen to.

[brightantwerp]

Thank you Jacques! Great tips, as always.

[nevergivingup]

thanks so much!! i’ve had so much trouble with getting zucchinis or pumpkins. 😭😭. i appreciate it. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[gwendolynwebster]

I always learn so much from you! Thank you for all the tips and advice 🙂

[artistlovepeace]

Thank you so much JitG! Your educational videos are astonishing. I'm growing more because of you and Epic Gardening. Fantastic videos.

[hollyashton]

This was fantastic, thank you. I’m finally understanding some things.

[bethb]

I love watching your videos, always learning something new, or getting ideas for my own gardens. I love that foil trick, preventive is always better than having to fix a problem after it starts. Thanks!