Getting Started with Squash and Zucchini

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Subject: Getting Started with Squash and Zucchini

Hi Friend.

Many of our childcare centers have expressed an interest in growing squash (and or zucchini) this summer. Squash is also one of the vegetables featured in your Grow It, Try It, Like It! kit, so you will notice quite a few activities centered around this vegetable.

This week, we'll give you everything you need to get started along with timeline photos.

Tip 1: Growing squash from seed.

Now that the threat of frost has passed, you can begin growing your squash and zucchini seeds outdoors.

You can plant the seeds directly into your container or garden bed or start with small seedling containers. The only advantage to starting in small seed containers first is to simply ensure that only your strongest plants make their way to the garden bed.

The weather is expected to be a little cooler at night this week which could slow the seed germination process outdoors. It won't harm the seed. It will just delay the sprouting process a little. One way to keep your seeds nice and warm this week is to cover your garden bed at night with row cover. This is not a requirement. It will just ensure that the growing process isn't slowed down by a few cooler nights.

Here are some timeline videos to show what the squash and zucchini plants begin to look like in their first two weeks of life :)

Note: the growing process is the same for squash and zucchini so you will notice that we have photos of both intermixed.

Tip 2: Facts about Squash/Zucchini

Your squash and zucchini seeds will begin to sprout in about 5 days.

If you are starting them in seed containers first, they should be ready to transplant to your garden bed or pot within 1-2 weeks (depending on the size of your seed container). The goal is to wait until the plant has 2 true leaves before transplanting.

Squash and zucchini like lots of sun and lots of water as they begin to produce fruit. Your plants will produce both male and female flowers = pollination time. We'll talk more about pollination in a few weeks but this stage in the garden will provide a host of lessons and learning for the children.

Tip 3: Lesson for kids at this stage in your garden:

Squash seed planting is a great lesson to do with kids at this age. The Grow It, Try It, Like It! book on crookneck squash is a great companion lesson for this stage in your garden.

We hope you find these tips and lessons helpful. Please reach out to us anytime with your questions. We're happy to help. And if you want to start your squash/zucchini in containers, be sure to check out the online technology to help you strategize what containers work best for this plant.

We'll be back in touch with more information next week.

Have a great week.

Mandy Curry

Start A Garden & Healthy Kids Inc.

mandy@healthykidsinc.com

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Subject: Getting Started with Squash and Zucchini