Summer Squash/Zucchini

[Al@NC]

I start squash, okra, pumkins and well... everything from seed and grow lights in cups. Then just transplant everything.

9 weeks ago!? That's crazy!!

Al

[TexasTomat0]

I've got my squash in between the tomato plants in my raised beds then in front of the squash I have bush beans growing. So far everything is getting enough light, the tomato plants are already reaching above the squash and the bush beans are reaching out in front, so everyone has their own space to grow.

[Al@NC]

Originally Posted by TexasTomat0

I've got my squash in between the tomato plants in my raised beds then in front of the squash I have bush beans growing. So far everything is getting enough light, the tomato plants are already reaching above the squash and the bush beans are reaching out in front, so everyone has their own space to grow.

Good Point TexasTomat0, beans and other vining crops such as cucumbers can potentially grow pretty close to the squash and do well because they can climb out from the shadows of the squash leaves.

Al

[Nan_PA_6b]

Al, bush beans are not vining. But your point about vines is still valid.

Nan

[Al@NC]

Thanks Nan, I've never grown beans before! I started with tomatoes, squash and okra. I read bush beans and honestly thought of peas

Al

[Nan_PA_6b]

Al, you're in for a treat. One plants bush beans after last frost, and nearly every seed comes up! They grow well, nourish the soil, and produce like gangbusters. My fave are the broad yellow Roma beans, but the purple podded beans are also good; you don't have to hunt for the beans because of their color (the purples turn green when cooked). Very rewarding, easy, and tasty crop.

Nan

[FourOaks]

Originally Posted by Nan_PA_6b

Al, bush beans are not vining. But your point about vines is still valid.

Nan

Originally Posted by Nan_PA_6b

....My fave are the broad yellow Roma beans,....

Nan

Ill have to disagree somewhat with your statement, and I also didnt know that there was a yellow Roma bean? Interesting.


Anyhow, my favorite is Roma II, my seeds for those come specifically from Southern States. Believe me, they WANT to climb. I think it has to do with their parent lineage coming thru.


I noticed this morning that a few vines are starting up the sprinkler poles I have setup in the High Tunnel. So, with my seed source, yes they will climb if given the choice.


Ill happily provide a photo if it helps my claims and furthers the conversation.

[Al@NC]

Similar to this one Nan?

http://www.stokeseeds.com/product.aspx?ProductID=40092&CategoryID=1

Al

[Nan_PA_6b]

Yes, just like that!

Nan

[Al@NC]

I dropped by the local university today, I was recently told that they have a seed bank/library. Well there were some varieties there and I happened to get seeds for the Pollock tomato along with Brilliant Pink. I also grabbed some Mini Orange Marigolds, Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans, Brett's Yellow Bush/Snap Bean.

I'm not seeing any info on line about there being a "Brett's Yellow Bush/Snap Bean so it probably something that was picked up at a farmer's market or who knows. Needless to say they aren't the same as a Gold Romano Bean but I may grow a couple this year and see how they turn out.

I'm trying to be really good (it's hard!) now since I've spent too much money on seeds this year.

I recently ordered the Mikado tomato seeds from Hudson Valley Seed co. along with a family heirloom named Aubrey's special pinks tomato. I'm also waiting on Megabite F1 seeds from Park Seed that I ordered.

I'm anxious to get everything planted out and get this season rolling...

Al

[Nan_PA_6b]

Originally Posted by Al@NC

...I happened to get seeds for... Brett's Yellow Bush/Snap Bean...
... I may grow a couple this year and see how they turn out.

Gotcha!

Nan

[Al@NC]

I'm going to grow cuc's on trellises this year (as I always have) but I'm thinking I will plant a ton of peas around the outside of the tomato cage roughly 1" from the cages. I don't know how many pea plants I can get around the cages without them affecting the amount of sun the squash get but we'll see ... The super snappy peas are only suppose to grow to 28-32 inches tall.

I feel like I'm a little late with the peas but our temps here are just now getting to 45f at night so I'm not so late.

I'm thinking you can grow radishes!

I'm curious what affect growing the squash in cages will have on powdery mildew if any....

Al

[GoDawgs]

I'm pretty much done with radishes here as far as planting any more. It's going to get too hot pretty soon and make the radishes too spicy. There are some almost-ready daikon still in the ground and they'll be the last until fall.

[Al@NC]

Originally Posted by GoDawgs

I'm pretty much done with radishes here as far as planting any more. It's going to get too hot pretty soon and make the radishes too spicy. There are some almost-ready daikon still in the ground and they'll be the last until fall.

I miss living in the south as far as gardening is concerned (I used to live in Western North Carolina). I am just now planting out this week for the first time this season!

Al

[Gardeneer]

Done with the radish. Squash are growing buds. They are bush type. Cukes are about to vine melons and watermelons are a bit behind. But with the weather warming up, actually getting hot, cucurbits are growing faster now. I like cukes and zukes as you don,t have to waitfor them to ripen up.pick and eat them tender and young.