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Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I have always believed that the squash genetics we are growing today, are better than average at foraging for Nitrogen. I believe this is one of the main reasons that they can be tough to pollinate.

Recommendations:

1)When you are applying your amendments, consider reducing Nitrogen fertilizers or materials high in Nitrogen on your squash plants.

2) Plant your squash on what you would consider your poorest spots, i.e. lowest in OM etc.

Foliar feed your squash plants just the same as your other AG's.

Be careful not to prematurely dead head secondaries before the fruit. Deadheading these vines before pollination will trigger the plant to grow more vigorously at the other growing points, making them harder to pollinate as well.

Don't stress about pollinating a squash at 7 or 8 feet out. Waiting for a pollination further out, usually means more deadheaded secondaries and potential for hotter temps during pollination.

Spider patterns generally work better for squash because the secondaries continue to grow longer.

These are just some of my observations from the last few years. Good luck to all in 2011. "Grow em green"

5/8/2011 10:14:14 PM

Muddy Waters

Thanks,good info. 2-905s in ground,I did give the better spots to kins!!

5/9/2011 6:08:14 AM