Yellow Summer Squash
Cucurbita pepo 'Early Prolific Straightneck'
vegetableA compact yellow summer squash producing straight-necked cylindrical fruits identical in flavor to yellow crookneck but without the curved neck, making them easier to slice uniformly. Among the most prolific and fastest-producing summer squash. The classic family garden squash — a few plants will produce far more than most families can eat.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~50 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
24-36 in
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Planting Depth
1 in
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting with compost; side-dress balanced fertilizer when plants start vining
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 or compost; avoid excess nitrogen which favors leaves
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow after last frost when soil is above 65 F, or transplant 3-week-old starts. Plants are large and bushy — space 24 to 36 inches. Pick every 2 to 3 days to keep plants producing. Overripe squash signals the plant to slow fruit production and the flesh becomes fibrous and seedy. Hand-pollinate in the morning if fruit sets poorly. Very productive from midsummer through frost.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Mar 25
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jun 18
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Corn — Three sisters planting — corn provides shade and structure
- Beans — Nitrogen fixing; three sisters partner
- Nasturtium — Aphid trap crop; deters squash bugs when planted around the border
- Marigold — Deters squash beetles and nematodes
❌ Keep away from
Potato
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Plant after mid-June in the North; Bt injection into stem; row cover fabric wrapped at stem base
Handpick adults and bronze egg clusters from leaf undersides; kaolin clay spray
Increase spacing; remove affected lower leaves; neem oil at first sign
Row cover on seedlings; beneficial nematodes; yellow sticky traps
🌾 Harvest & storage
Best at 6 to 7 inches with smooth, glossy yellow skin. Skin should be tender enough to nick with a fingernail. Older fruits over 10 inches have tougher skin and large seeds. Harvest daily in peak summer. Share the abundance with neighbors — production can overwhelm even enthusiastic eaters. Store at room temperature 2 to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Low in calories, good source of vitamin C, B6, potassium, and manganese. Yellow skin provides lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids for eye health. High water content keeps you hydrated in summer heat.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.