Summer squash such as zucchini, and winter squash such as acorn and buttercup grow well in fertile, well-drained soils containing high levels of organic matter. They also require full sun. MORE

Harvest.

The proper time to harvest winter squash is when they are fully mature. Winter squash can be cured and stored for use later in the winter.    MORE

Insect Pests.

Two common pests plague squash growers, occasionally ruining the crop. Squash bugs feed on plant sap and cause infested leaves to turn black. Squash vine borer is a caterpillar that lives inside the stem, usually near soil level. Preventing borer damage means treating before the moth lays her eggs on the plant.