QUESTION: I enjoy growing squash because I can harvest a lot at once. This time, I want to try growing some in containers. Are squash plants suitable for pots? How large should the containers be?
ANSWER: A container of at least 24 inches in diameter can be used to grow squash. The depth of the container should also be at least 12 inches. If you are short on planting space, growing squash in a container helps save space.
Be sure to use a pot that has good drainage filled with a lightweight potting mix made of peat, compost, or fine bark. Steer clear of using regular soil, especially those that easily compact because they can suffocate the root system. Additionally, garden soil may harbor pests and weed seeds.
You are able to plant two or three squash seeds about an inch deep in the pot’s center. Be sure to leave a few inches of space between each seed. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy, for the first week or two until the seeds germinate.
Evaluate the seedlings after two weeks. Remove the weaker seedlings and leave the strongest looking ones. Once the seeds sprout, reduce watering by waiting until the top two inches of soil is completely dried out.
The squash plants require a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. More is optimum. Use a time released fertilizer into the potting soil at planting time or feed every four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
You can also grow a trailing or vining variety of squash plants. Be sure to use a trellis or some other support. You can sometimes place the container at the base of a structure to train the vine upward. If you have tomato cages, they can be inserted into the container for a great trellis option.