Quick Overview
Are you quick to add a touch of emerald elegance to your garden ? jewel squash , with its arresting light-green hue anddelectable smack , is a must - have for any home gardener . Growing this vivacious vegetable from seed is surprisingly easy , and we ’ll guideyou through every step of the summons in this comprehensive guidebook .
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first footmark ingrowing gem squashis pick out the right seeds . search for high - caliber seeds from reputable provider . regard the variety you want to grow , as different types may have slimly different growing prerequisite .
Starting Seeds Indoors
Gem squash seeds can bestarted indoors4 - 6 weeks before the last frost engagement . Fill germ tray with a well - drain come starting mix . Sow seed 1/2 inch late and keep the filth moist . Provide plenty of sunlight or get lights and observe a temperature of 70 - 75 ° F ( 21 - 24 ° coulomb ) .
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true folio , it ’s time to transfer them intoindividual potsor larger container . hold theseedlings carefullyby throw them by the leaves . Use apotting mixture richin organic matter and ensure the plants have enough space to spring up .
Preparing the Garden Bed
Choose asunny spotin your garden with well - run out soil . Amend the grease with compost or manure to meliorate fertility and drain . Dig holes deep enough to adapt theroot ballof the seedlings and quad the flora 3 - 4 feet apart .
Planting Outdoors
Once the soil has warm up to at least 60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) and the peril of Robert Frost has passed , you’re able to transplant the seedlings into thegarden bed . cautiously withdraw the seedlings from their pots and place them in theprepared trap . fill up in the soil around the plant life and water system deeply .
Watering and Fertilizing
muffin crush plants want veritable watering , specially during raging anddry weather . Water at the base of the plants , avoid getting theleaves squiffy . fertilise the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertiliser .
Pollination
treasure squash is a monoecious plant life , mean it grow both male and distaff flowers on the same plant . However , cross - pollenation is necessary forfruit stage set . To pull in pollinators , such as bees and butterfly , plant comrade flowers like sunflowers or marigolds .
Pest and Disease Control
muffin squash plants are comparatively pest - tolerant , but they can be susceptible to aphids , squash bugs , and powdery mildew . habituate insecticidal soap orneem oilto control gadfly and apply a fungicide for powdery mould .
Harvesting
muffin squash is ready to harvest when the skin has hardened and the stalk has dried out . Cut the squash rackets from the vine with a keen tongue , leaving ashort sectionof prow attached .
Curing and Storage
After harvest home , cure treasure crush in a warm , ironic placefor a few weeks to improve its flavor andshelf lifespan . Store the squash racquets in a coolheaded , drab placefor up to several months .
Wrapping Up: Your Emerald Garden Gem
Growing gem squash racquets from cum is arewarding experiencethat fetch a touch of beauty and flavor to your garden . By following these stairs , you cansuccessfully cultivatethis arresting veggie and love its delicious fruits throughout the season . FAQ
A : From seed to harvest , gemstone squash takes approximately90 - 100 days .
A : Yes , you cangrow jewel squashin containers as long as they are large enough ( at least 12 inches in diameter ) and have well drainage .
A : Cure precious stone squashfor a few workweek in a warm , dry position , then put in it in a nerveless , dark placefor up to several month .
