Part IV · Crop record 05

Summer squash

Three squash were confirmed successfully pollinated by August 21–22 while younger female fruit and abundant male flowers continued on vigorous vines.

2026 STATUSThree fruit confirmed← all crop stories

Growth timeline

The season in three field marks

MAY 7

Direct-sown after weeding and balanced fertilizer.

JUL 22–31

Harvest recorded, with three more small fruit remaining on the vine.

AUG 21–22

Three fruit were confirmed successfully pollinated while more young female fruit and abundant male flowers continued.

01

Planting

Summer squash was direct-sown May 7 in the prepared production row with beans, zucchini, and okra.

02

Fertilization

Compost top-dressing supported the row. Feeding stayed restrained once vines were vigorous and flowering.

03

Irrigation

Consistent soil moisture came from rain or brief drip cycles, with foliage kept dry when irrigation was needed.

04

Pest history

Squash bugs—adults, eggs, and one nymph across the cucurbit area—were removed by hand during repeated inspections.

05

Harvest progression

At least one harvest was photographed in late July; three small fruit remained on the vine at month’s end.

06

Companion record

The shared row with zucchini, beans, and okra concentrated pollinator observation and pest scouting.

07

Organic practices

Hand pollination, flower inspection, egg destruction, hand-picking, and modest airflow pruning were used.

08

Yield

At least one earlier harvest was recorded and three additional fruit were confirmed successfully pollinated by August 22; total weight was not maintained.

What I’d change next year

Start a flower-to-fruit log, protect pollinator hours, and continue checking open female flowers for hidden squash bugs.

Next crop recordOkraA slow warm-season start gave way to tender pods harvested every few days through mid-August.