Raising Yellow Crookneck Squash in the Northwest

Season

• Yellow crookneck squash is a fast grower, producing fruit in 50 to 60 days. Warmer areas that are farther west can direct sow this squash in April and May. However, growers in shorter-season states like Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, where the growing season may only be 20 days long, can start seeds indoors. Yellow crookneck squash does not transplant well after the roots have been exposed; therefore, plant seed in peat pots that will be directly planted into garden without exposing tender roots. Transplant when temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat

• Heat things up a bit to give your squash the best chance of survival in the cooler climate of the Northwest. According to JoAnn Robbins from the University of Idaho Extension, a layer of clear polyethylene plastic stretched across the garden in early spring can increase soil temperatures 10 to 15 degrees in just a few days. Also, choose the warmest part of your garden with plenty of sunshine and protection from cooling winds.

Soil

• Yellow crookneck squash likes plenty of sunshine (at least six hours a day) and well-drained soil. Although they grow and produce in slightly alkaline soil with a high pH level around 8.0, yellow crookneck squash prefer slightly acidic soil with a 6.0 or 6.5 pH level. Test your soil for pH and nutrient levels before amending it. Purchase a home test kit or take a sample to your local cooperative extension for a more in-depth soil analysis. Then work in plenty of compost and composted manure. Add fertilizer according to the results of your tested soil sample.

Diseases

• Even during a short growing season, a few diseases may attack your yellow crookneck squash, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose and gummy stem blight. Choose resistant varieties from reputable suppliers. Remove and destroy infected plants and treat with chlorothalonil, paraffinic oil or fixed copper as a preventative.

Pests

• Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, squash vine borers, pickleworms and squash beetles may attack your yellow crookneck squash plants during the growing season. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil extract, carbaryl and permithrin are effective against these squash-loving pests. However, yellow crookneck squash rely on bees and other beneficial insects for pollination and pest control. Take care when applying various pesticides, in order to protect the beneficial insect population.