Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), including zucchini, crookneck, straightneck, and patty pan, is common in central New York vegetable gardens. Summer squash grows quickly, is early to harvest, and is ...

Squash plants are not only prolific producers, but many types, both summer squash and winter squash, also get quite large. Their sprawling vines overwhelm smaller vegetables and other nearby plants.

"Fresh squash is one of my summer favorites, but I hear growing squash successfully can be tricky. What do I need to know before planting some squash in my garden?" — D.B.