master point
tabular array Queen squash is a versatile and productive miscellany known for its tumid , delicious fruit . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a tyro , plant and farm Table Queen squash is a rewarding endeavour . This comprehensive guide will allow you with all theessential informationyou need to cultivate this pop squash rackets in your own garden .
Choosing the Right Site
mesa Queen squash thrives in well - drained soilthat is rich inorganic matter . Choose a position thatreceives full sunfor at least six hours per day . The soil should be slack and crumbly , with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Soil Preparation
Prior to planting , make the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 - 18 inches . Add plenty of compost or well - rotted manuretoimprove fertilityand drainage . If the soil is acidic , better it with slaked lime to set up the pH.
Starting Seeds
Table Queen squash seeds can be started indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last leap frost . Sow the seeds 1/2inch deepin a come - start mix . Keep the soil moist and warm ( 70 - 75 ° F ) .
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings have break their first set oftrue leaves , they are ready to betransplanted outdoors . Harden off the seedlings bygradually exposingthem to out-of-door condition for a few hours each daylight . Plant the seedlings 3 - 4 feet apart in run-in that are 5 - 6 foot aside . Dig a hole that is twice as blanket as theroot balland place the seedling in the center . Backfill the kettle of fish with soil andgently firmit around the plant .
Watering
Table Queen squash requires regular lacrimation , particularly during live , dry weather . Water deep and infrequently , allow the soil to dry out slimly between waterings . Avoid overwatering , as this can moderate to root rot .
Fertilizing
fertilise thesquash plantsevery few week with abalanced plant food . Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and atomic number 19 . Avoid using plant food that are gamy in P , as this can inhibit yield yield .
Mulching
mulch around the squash rackets plant helps toconserve moisture , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature . utilize a 2 - 3 in layer oforganic mulch , such as straw , hay , or shredded leaves .
Pollination
Table Queen squash is a monoecious flora , mean that it produces both virile andfemale flowers . The male prime are typically the first to appear and are settle on farsighted , lithesome bow . The female flush are located on shorter , thick stems and have a small , swollen ovaryat the base . For pollenation to occur , pollen from the male flowers must be transferred to thefemale flowers . This is typically done by bees or other pollinator . If you do not have a draw of pollinators in your garden , you’re able to hand - pollinate thesquash flowersyourself .
Harvesting
board Queen squelch is quick to harvest when the cutis is hard and the yield has reached itsfull sizing . The yield should be adeep orange colorand consider between 8 and 12 pounds . To glean the squash racquets , cut the bow with asharp knife . depart about 1 column inch ofstem attachedto the yield .
Storage
Table Queen squash can be stored for several months in a cool , dry office . The fruit should be stored at a temperature between 50 and 60 ° F and ahumidity levelof 60 - 70 % .
Troubleshooting
Powdery mildew : This fungous disease can cause snowy orgray powdery spotson the leaf ofsquash plant . To prevent powdery mold , water the plants at the base and avoid getting theleaves pixilated . you’re able to also spray the plants with a fungicide . Downy mildew : This fungous disease can stimulate yellow orbrown spotson the leaves ofsquash plant life . To preventdowny mildew , water the plant at the base and fend off getting the leaves blind drunk . you could also spray the plants with a fungicide . Cucumber beetles : These insects candamage squash plantsby feeding on the leaves and fruit . To controlcucumber beetle , use insecticidal max or neem oil color . Squash vine borers : These insects candamage squeeze plantsby boring into the stems and killing the plants . Tocontrolsquash vine borers , use row book binding or traps .
FAQ
Q : How long does it take forTable Queen squashto mature?A : Table Queen crush typically maturesin 90 - 100 day from planting . Q : What is theaverage yieldof Table Queen squash?A : Asingle Table Queen squash plantcan grow 5 - 10 fruits per season . Q : CanTable Queen squashbe grown in containers?A : Yes , Table Queen squashcan be grown in container . prefer a container that is at least 18 inch in diameter and 12 inch deep . Q : What are somecompanion plantsfor Table Queen squash?A : Somegood companion plantsforTable Queen crush include bean , corn , and sunflowers . Q : How can Iprevent squash bugsfrom damage my plants?A : To prevent squash bugs from damaging your plant , userow coversor traps . you’re able to also spray the plants withinsecticidal soapor neem vegetable oil . Q : What is the best way to stack away Table Queen squash?A : Table Queen squashcan be stored for several month in a cool , dry place . The fruit should be stored at a temperature between 50 and 60 ° fluorine and ahumidity levelof 60 - 70 % .
