Scallop types are flattened and ridged around edge and may be white, green or striped. Crookneck varieties are more difficult to pack than straightneck varieties and are easily broken at the neck during harvest. Although production information for all types is presented here, the straightneck and Zucchini types are most widely grown for commercial markets. Climatic Requirements Squash is a warm-season crop. It should not be planted until danger of frost is past.
Growers often plant before optimum temperatures are obtained in order to get an early harvest.
Soils Well-drained, sandy loams with high organic matter content and a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 are the most productive. For early crops, a lighter soil that warms rapidly should be chosen. Avoid low, poorly drained soils on which waterlogged conditions are likely to occur. To reduce the likelihood of soil-borne diseases, plant on soils that have not had squash, cucumbers, watermelons or cantaloupes for at least 3 years. Soil Preparation Fall plowing is desirable to eliminate plant debris and residues in which disease and insects overwinter.