I am indebted to so many gardeners who have shared their collective wisdom and experience with me over the years. They are family members, neighbors, Master Gardeners, garden writers, bloggers and gardeners on social media. Sharing this knowledge motivated me to begin my blog, ten years ago and now over 1300 posts later.

I’m offering occasional posts of garden hacks I use. Some I’ve learned from others. Some I’ve developed to solve a problem. Here are a few of my favorite garden hacks useful this time of year with summer and winter squash.

Lifting developing squash off the soil or mulch keeps it dry and avoids soil-borne fungal disease, rot, discoloration and pests. Under this developing delicata squash and under the butternut squash in the thumbnail are concrete squares—samples I received from a manufacturer.

Use whatever you have on hand—flat stones, tiles or pieces of brick or concrete.

As you check on your squash, cut out mildewed and diseased leaves. New leaves will develop. Use a liquid fish or kelp fertilizer for a mid-season boost. Squash plants are heavy feeders.

Look for underdeveloped or rotting squash and remove. These will not mature and rob nutrients from the plant. They may invite pest damage.

Long sleeves and garden gloves make the squash tasks tolerable.

Another garden hack. When I prepare to plant my squash seeds I sink a one or two gallon pot near the plants for irrigation. Next year I plan to put a one gallon pot near each of my six squash plants (two each of butternut, delicata and zucchini).

The same technique works for tomato plants, cukes and eggplant too, sending water through the drain holes, down to the roots, keeping water away from the stem.

For more tips on growing squash check these links:

Growing Squash from Sowing to Harvest
Squash Growing