When growing conditions are favorable, harvest the crop daily or every other day. Harvest crookneck and straightneck varieties when fruit is 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Harvest zucchini when fruit is 7 to 8 inches long, and scallop types when they are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Do not leave large fruit of summer squash on the plant because this will inhibit the development of additional fruit. Store summer squash in the refrigerator.
Aphids are a major problem because they can transmit viruses to the plants.
Squash vine borers can cause total collapse of the plant. Plant early because squash vine borers and pickleworms are problems later in the season. Common disease problems include powdery mildew and viruses. Some cultivars have a bush-type of growth instead of the vining habit, which is useful if your garden is small. Sunburst Excerpted from the South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual , EC 678 .