How to Avoid Common Squash Problems

Squashes are a staple in many gardens, yielding versatile fruits that spark our culinary creativity. They’re vigorous growers, but that doesn’t mean they’re trouble-free.

Pesky pests, diseases such as powdery mildew, accidental damage, and incorrect harvesting and storing can all take their toll on your crop.

In this short video we’ll share tips and tricks to sidestep common squash problems so there’s no barrier to your successful harvest.

If you love growing your own food, why not take a look at our online Garden Planner which is available from several major websites and seed suppliers:
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[lawsonfarm]

Lazy gardening tip: If you get behind on weeding to the point where your weeds are growing taller than your squash or pumpkins, go through your vines, lightly lift them up, and set them on top of the weeds (I have even done this on top of spiny pigweed which is a horrid intrusive plant with thorns). They will grow on top of the weeds for the rest of the growing season ensuring your leaves get all the sunlight they need while giving some protection to the squash and pumpkins themselves. I have done this for the past two years (bad procrastinator here) and have gotten around 200 pumpkins each year in a 40 x 40ft area.

[annefinlay-baird]

As always these short videos are enthusiastic, informative and very watchable. Thank you

[katiemae]

This year I’m growing zucchini, crockneck, acorn, and butternut in NW WA state. I did get powdery mildew on my zucc’s and yellow squash and so I sprayed the leaves with the milk/water mix and it works great!!

[cek]

We grew crockneck, pumpkins, spaghetti and blue Hubbard squash this year. 70 so far (not counting the crockneck!) And more are coming. Our biggest spaghetti squash was 4 lbs!! We've got a blue Hubbard coming along that's so big, he might not pass through the back door! It's been a wonderfully blessed garden harvest and your videos, Ben, make it more fun ❤🤓. We love your mug!!

[Pamalumpa]

Helpful all around! I had those bugs early on and didn't realize they were so damaging! Thanks so much for your great videos.

[charmainemuscat]

I live in Australia. I'm growing Spaghetti squash and jap/kent (1st time this year) and butternut (my 2nd time). I planted lots of seeds this time. Last year i had 2 plants and only got 3 butternuts. I'm hoping to get a good harvest this year. Thank you for all your information. I love your channel, i learn so much

[lindas]

This was the most informative video on squash I've watched. Thank you on the tip for hardening winter squash off the vine. We are getting a ton of rain and my honeynut butternut squash are splitting.

[Michelleisfine]

I am so tempted. They take up so much space, though.

[RedNicole]

Thanks for responding with a video to my question. Much appreciated! ❤️

[gailgreenberg]

Milk solution also works well on Roses for Marsonia...black spot. Thank you so much for such interesting videos and info.

[melissamorrell]

The biggest issue I'm experiencing is blossom end rot. It would be great if you could cover how to avoid that problem in a future update.

[daisygurl]

So many fabulous Tips! Can’t wait until next season to use them! Butternut squash is a favorite here. Roasted and mixed with coconut milk and some spices, it makes a divine soup. Thank you!

[kathymaxted]

Very educational and I love your passion for growing

[annemcguire]

First time growing squash for me here just outside of Toronto. Honey Baby butternut and so far I count about 14. Thanks for the tips Ben; you always have great advice and I love your enthusiasm 🙂

[heathermacdonald]

Thanks for the tip of wrapping the vines in foil. I lost so many vines to borers this year.

[mikeski]

5:33 I had one particularly disorganized autumn/winter a few years back. By May the following year, I stumbled across a pumpkin in my bedroom closet. No idea how it got there but it was perfect and unspoiled.

[patjoyce]

I’ve grown Butternut squash “Hercules” this year, first time I’ve tried. I might add I’m not a gardener I just like gardening. I’ve planted two plants in two big 30l plastic buckets. I’m in Norfolk UK. They have produced a few fruit. Some have just dropped off when quite small, however some are looking healthy and are hanging on. I’ve counted 5 squashes each about 8” long so far and it’s only mid August. Keeping the pots moist is quite a challenge, they are thirsty plants! I feed them once a week with tomato feed. Here’s hoping. I don’t quite know when to harvest them. I’m just going to wait and see, unless someone tells me otherwise. Great videos. Thank you.

[susiq]

You are such a joy to listen to, and I appreciate all of your tips!

[dianemc]

What a great video on squash! Thanks for all the tips and tricks. I just started my fall garden and already have so many decorative gourds growing.

[adamonicusattempts]

Thankful for this video! Next year’s harvest will be much better in dealing with squash borer! They were disparaged this year.