A Squash Planting System for the Home Garden

A 4 feet X 4 feet sheet of black plastic mulch. A 3 liter soft drink bottle to aid in irrigating below the plastic mulch. A piece of spunbound horticultural row cover material. A fine netting will also work. Home Garden System Will Use:

Bring the 4 corners together of a 4 feet by 4 feet piece of black plastic to find the center. Cut from the center point a length that is ½ the diameter of a 3 liter soft drink bottle. Cut 2 holes for plants about 3 inches from the edge of the bottle hole and on opposite sides. Cut holes in plastic mulch

Loosen soil in an area at least 5 feet by 5 feet. Scatter fertilizer uniformly on soil in the area to be covered by plastic – (4 feet by 4 feet). (Use 1/3 lbs ) Mix fertilizer into the soil to 3 inches deep with hoe. Make a hole in the soil for 3 liter bottle in the center of the fertilized area. Apply fertilizer below area to be covered plastic

Make two holes in bottle using a hot, large size needle. A small nail is too big! Bottle will be placed in a hole about 3 inches deep. Put some small stones in the bottle for weight to keep it in place. Keep stones below the holes. Soft drink bottle irrigation aid

Use soil to hold plastic in place. Wire staples help at the corners. Place bottle in center hole so that watering holes line up with plant holes. Plant squash seed 3 per hole Cover with ¾ inch of soil Anchor plastic mulch in place

Install hoops made with clothes hanger wire. Use a gentle curve. Install row cover over the area. Use stones or scrap wood around edge to hold in place. Fill 3 liter bottle to water. Cover with row cover

Water to keep crop growing – fill bottle probably 2-3 times per week; maybe more often during summer Remove weeds around edges and in plant holes. Keep covered until female flowers present. Uncover during mornings for pollination – re-cover. Care during crop growth

How did your planting demonstration work out? Please send questions, comments, pictures, and suggestions to: Jim Shrefler, Area Horticulturist, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension phone: Your Feedback is Appreciated