How to Plant and Grow Butterkin Squash

A horizontal photo of a Butterkin squash on a wooden table. In the background are several other varieties of winter squashes.

‘Butterkin’ is a hybrid cross between a pumpkin and a butternut squash, giving you the rounded shape of a pumpkin with the sweet nutty flavor of a butternut. This winter squash variety is relatively low-maintenance and can be stored up to six months after curing. Learn how to plant and grow ‘Butterkin’ in this guide.

How to Plant and Grow Ornamental and Hardshell Gourds

A group of warted and winged ornamental gourds freshly harvested.

Want to add a splash of color to your garden this fall? Have you already found success growing different types of squash and you’re looking to branch out? Ornamental gourds are the way to go! Get the lowdown on everything you need to know about growing this gorgeous crop in our guide, now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Hand-Pollinate Your Pumpkin Plants

A close up of a small pumpkin just starting to develop, pictured amongst vines and foliage, with a large orange male flower in the background.

If you’re growing your pumpkins indoors or in a greenhouse, or simply don’t have many bees around, you might be wondering how you’ll get any fruit. Pumpkin pollination requires bees, after all. But here’s a secret: you can hand pollinate your own gourds. Learn everything you need to know in our guide. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Zucchini Squash

A close up of the ripe, dark green fruits of a summer squash, growing in the garden, surrounded by foliage with soil in soft focus in the background.

A traditional home garden favorite, zucchini is popular as a zero-carb spiral noodle standout. A few plants can supply the whole family! But with so many wonderful cultivars for edible blossoms, stuffing or pickles, why not plant a bunch and harvest all summer long? Follow these tips for zucchini bliss.

Causes and Solutions for Floppy or Wilting Zucchini Plants

A close up horizontal image of zucchini plants wilting and flopping in the garden.

Are your zucchini plants flopping over instead of producing the bumper crop these summer squash are famed for? The cause could be squash vine borers, too much moisture, or bacterial wilt via cucumber beetles. Here’s how to identify the issue, treat it if possible, and prevent garden-grown zucchini from falling over.

How to Identify and Control Common Zucchini Diseases

A close up of a Curcurbita pepo plant suffering from a disease called bacterial wilt, pictured growing in bright sunshine in the garden.

Zucchini is a must-have in any veggie garden because it’s tasty, prolific, and easy to grow. But zucchini can be plagued by some nasty diseases that can reduce your harvest, or even kill your plants entirely. We’ll show you how to deal with diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses – and how to prevent them in the future.

How to Identify and Control Zucchini Plant Pests

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Have you spotted an insect on your zucchini in the vegetable patch and don’t know what to do about it? Or maybe your plants are failing to thrive and you’re wondering what might be the problem. Learn how to identify and control 9 common zucchini pests. Read more now.

How to Grow Zucchini in Containers

A close up picture of a bright yellow courgette flower and developing fruit, growing in a terra cotta pot on a patio in bright sunshine.

If you love homegrown zucchini but have no room in your garden, did you know you can grow it in containers instead? This summer squash is easy to grow and provides you with an abundant harvest. Learn how to plant and grow zucchini in pots and containers for the fresh, homegrown taste of summer. Read more now.

Problems with Growing Zucchini: Troubleshooting 11 Potential Issues

A close up of a healthy courgette plant growing in the garden with dark green fruit and soil in soft focus in the background.

Zucchini are famously prolific, but that doesn’t mean they’re without their share of potential issues. You might be facing yellowing leaves, falling flowers, or pest problems. If you’re having trouble with your zucchini, learn about 11 common problems, how to identify what’s going wrong, and what to do to fix it.

How to Plant and Grow Golden Zucchini

A close up of a golden zucchini growing in the garden, with bright yellow fruits in various stages of maturity, pictured in light sunshine.

Grow a super food summer squash in a fresh yellow color! Golden zucchini are a bit sweeter than green varieties and nearly as productive. The shape makes them superior for zoodles, and their color’s a benefit in the kitchen and garden alike. Have some fun, follow these tips, and you’ll soon be harvesting summer gold.

How to Manage Blossom-End Rot in Zucchini

A close up horizontal image zucchini, whole and sliced set on a wooden chopping board.

Zucchini blossom-end rot is a common problem that can ruin ripening fruits and drastically reduce your harvest. The disorder is caused by a calcium deficiency, and adding more calcium to the soil doesn’t really help – but proper watering does. Learn all about zucchini blossom-end rot causes and treatment. Read more now.

The Complete Guide to Growing Winter Squash

Four butternut squash growing on a green vine with large green leaves, on a bed of dried brown leaves.

Did you know there’s a solid plan you can follow to ensure that your winter squash produce maximum harvests? Get expert tips for planting, tending, and picking all of your favorite varieties – including butternut, acorn, pumpkin, and spaghetti. Read more now on Gardener’s Path to learn how to grow your own at home.

Learn How to Plant and Grow Scrumptious Summer Squash

A zucchini with light and dark green stripes grows in the garden, on a plant with thick stems and large leaves.

Summer squash is a delectable addition to most any recipe. But do you know how to provide the best growing conditions for your crop? Whether you choose zucchini, yellow crookneck, or another variety, our growing guide will teach you how to achieve a bigger and better harvest this year. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Plant and Grow Delicata Squash

A close up horizontal image of a pile of 'Delicata' squash at a grocery store.

‘Delicata’ squash is delicate and delicious when it comes to the texture and flavor, but there’s nothing delicate about it in the garden. It’s disease-resistant and resilient, and one plant will give you a massive harvest. Learn about planting, caring for, and using up all your glorious ‘Delicata’ squash in this guide.

Smoother Skin from the Garden? Learn How to Grow Loofah

You can grow luffa squash to eat or to turn into sponges | GardenersPath.com

What if you could grow a plant that can give you smooth skin and that doubles as a powerful household cleaning tool? Loofah sponges can be one of the most rewarding garden harvests, and it’s possible to make your own with the fruits of a special gourd. Read more at Gardener’s Path.

9 of the Best Companion Plants to Grow with Zucchini

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Companion planting can reduce the need for chemicals to keep your garden happy. They can repel pests, add nutrients to the soil, and provide other benefits. The wrong plants can do the opposite, attracting bad bugs, depleting the soil, and wreaking havoc. Here are the best and worst companion plants for zucchini.

How to Plant and Grow Calabaza Squash

A close up horizontal image of a harvested and cured calabaza squash in a pile in storage.

Looking for a squash that produces massive fruits that are full of dense, sweet flesh? How about one that is resistant to disease and thrives in hot temperatures? It’s time to learn more about delicious calabaza squash, an heirloom type that originated in South America and is gaining in popularity. Read more now.

21 of the Best Summer Squash Varieties for Your Garden

A close up of a black plastic crate, lined with brown paper containing a number of different summer squash varieties, in yellow and different shades of green.

Want to grow your own summer squash? These veggies are available in a delicious assortment of colors, shapes, patterns, and sizes. Whether you prefer your squash grilled, stuffed, spiralized, or sauteed, you have your pick for the garden. Discover 21 of the best summer squash varieties and choose your favorite now.

33 of the Best Melon Varieties

Top down view of different types of harvested melons, some whole and some cut into slices.

If you think your garden isn’t suited to growing melons, or you just don’t find melons to be very exciting, it’s time to consider some new varieties. Discover a selection of cultivars to please every palate, and identify those that are perfectly suited to your growing conditions. Explore 33 top melon varieties now.

How to Plant and Grow Cucamelons (Mexican Sour Gherkins)

A close up horizontal image of two hands holding a bunch of freshly harvested cucamelons aka Mexican sour gherkins pictured on a soft focus background.

How do you grow cucamelons? These strange little fruits are a member of the same family as cucumbers and zucchini, and they are grown in almost the same way, with a few differences. They’re a fun addition to the garden that kids and adults alike will love to watch growing and enjoy eating! Learn how to grow your own.

How to Grow Cantaloupe in the Garden

A ripe cantaloupe melon attached to the vine on the ground in the garden on a soft focus background.

Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, juicy flavor and bright orange flesh of the cantaloupe, so why not try growing it at home? Learn everything you need to know to add this tasty melon to your summer garden and enjoy a fresh, homegrown harvest – perfect for snacking, fruit salads, and smoothies. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Cucumbers

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Cucumbers have long been depended on to add a satisfying crunch to summer meals. This summer crop is easy to grow when you pick the right varieties for your growing zone and keep your plants healthy and high-yielding. Learn how to plant and grow cucumbers in your garden with this guide – we’ve even got recipe ideas too.

Learn How to Plant and Grow Crookneck Squash

Top down view of two yellow, crookneck squash fruits on a rustic wooden table.

An ideal crop for beginners or gardeners who want to grow more of their own food, bush-type yellow crookneck squash grows fast in the summer heat. The plants yield bushels of tender fruits with curved necks. Harvest a bumper crop in your first season with our best tips for sowing and harvesting this heirloom vegetable.

33 of the Best Cucumber Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up of a small cucumber growing in the garden, pictured in light filtered sunshine with foliage in soft focus in the backgrounds.

Cucumbers are a summer staple in the vegetable garden, and there are numerous of different cultivars available. Whether you want to grow slicing varieties for salads and sandwiches, or those more suitable for pickling, learn about 33 of the best cucumber varieties and choose your favorites. Read more now.

How to Protect Zucchini from Frost

A close up horizontal image of a zucchini plant damaged by frost.

When frost or freezing weather threatens zucchini plants in your garden, there are steps you can take to protect them. From row covers and other protective strategies to planning your plantings ahead of time, growing suitable varieties for your area, and starting seeds indoors. Learn frost protection tips in this guide.

How to Plant and Grow Butternut Squash

A close up horizontal image of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) growing vertically, with fruits ripening on the vine.

Delicious and nutrient-rich, butternut squash are pretty, tan-colored gourds with dense flesh that are grown as warm-season annuals. The trailing vines are cultivated in mounds or hills, but compact varieties are also suited for containers and small gardens. Learn how to plant and grow for butternut squash in this guide.

When and How to Prune Zucchini Plants

A horizontal image of a raised bed garden outside a brick home with a large squash plant growing with beets.

Zucchini plants may need pruning to get rid of damaged or diseased leaves, or to discourage crowding and shading. Our guide tells how and when to prune zucchini without harming the vines or bush plants. It also shares ways to avoid this garden chore with ample spacing and by choosing compact varieties to grow. Read more.

How to Protect Zucchini Plants from Pests

A close up horizontal image of zucchini plants with ripe fruits growing in the garden.

Zucchini is an integral part of a summer vegetable garden, but if the plants aren’t protected, pests like aphids and squash bugs can cause serious damage. While they are easy to grow, knowing how to protect your plants can improve your harvest. Discover the best options for protecting your plants in this guide.

Why Zucchini Blossoms Drop and What to Do About It

A close up horizontal image of a zucchini flower growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

When zucchini drop their flowers without producing squash, don’t panic. It could be the male flowers dropping after they release pollen, which is harmless. Or the zucchini could be suffering from poor pollination or cutworm damage. Address the root causes and learn to prevent them in the first place with our guide.

How to Plant and Grow Muskmelons

A close up horizontal image of muskmelons growing in the garden surrounded by dead or dying foliage.

The complex, musky, lightly sweet flavor of muskmelons can take the place of a sugary dessert on a hot summer’s day. It’s easy to plant and grow them, and with proper caretaking, each productive vine will reward you with several melons. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make it happen! Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Spaghetti Squash

A close up horizontal image of a spaghetti squash ripening on the vine pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that has spaghetti-like strands commonly used as an alternative to starchy noodles. The plants are heat tolerant and easy to cultivate, and can even grow in small space gardens with trellising. Learn how to plant and grow your own in this guide. Read more now.

How to Store Homegrown Cucumbers for Maximum Freshness and Long-Term Use

A close up horizontal image of a pile of freshly harvested homegrown cucumbers set on a wooden surface with a wicker basket in the background.

What to do with all those extra garden cucumbers? Pickles are just the beginning! Try using them to make salsa, jelly, or even sorbet. If you have more cucumbers than you can eat, read on for suggestions on creative ways to preserve them, as well as tips for keeping them fresh for longer in storage.

How to Identify and Control Squash Bugs

A close up horizontal image of a squash bug (Anasa tristis) on the edge of a leaf pictured on a soft focus background.

Are you struggling to combat a squash bug infestation in the garden? Anasa tristis is a pesky insect that resembles a stink bug in its adult stage, and these pests can cause damage and wilting in your squash plants and other edibles. In this guide we offer tips that can help to save your cucurbit harvest. Read more now.

Cucumber Hollow Heart Causes and Solutions

A close up background image of a pile of fresh cucumbers.

When the cucumber you grew in your garden reveals an empty cavity, you’re dealing with a condition called hollow heart. It could result from a soil deficiency or poor growing conditions, but bugs and disease are not factors. Our guide covers the most likely causes, and provides solutions and preventive measures.

11 of the Best Winter Squash Varieties

A close up horizontal image of a pile of different types of winter squash.

Thinking of growing winter squash? Make sure to choose the best variety to match the length of your growing season and the size of your garden. And of course, you’ll want to pick a cultivar that will please your palate too! Keep reading to discover 11 of the best winter squash cultivars and find your new favorite.

What Causes Holes in Homegrown Cucumbers?

A close up horizontal image of small cucumbers growing in the garden on the vine, pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Pests like pickleworms, and even a fungus that causes belly rot, can leave holes in garden-grown cucumbers. Learn how to identify the culprits, cope with an infestation, and prevent repeats in the future. Our guide also addresses the all-important question: whether or not you can eat a cucumber that has a hole in it.

Bring in That Bumper Crop: How and When to Harvest Cucumbers

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Garden cucumbers grow fast and have high yields, so prepare for a bountiful harvest. These expert tips and techniques will help you pick the fruits at their tastiest, and extend the harvest, starting on day one of the growing season. Avoid rookie mistakes and pick with ease with this guide to harvesting cucumbers.

BFFs and Enemies: The Best and Worst Cucumber Companion Plants

A close up horizontal image of an edible garden planted with a variety of vegetables and a metal watering can in the foreground.

What should you plant with cucumbers? The best companions maximize space, discourage harmful insects, and suppress weeds. Beans, marigolds, and corn are beneficial, but steer clear of potatoes and sage! This guide will help you grow good companion plants for cucumbers, and avoid any that compete or encourage disease.

What Are the Different Types of Cucumber Plants?

A close up horizontal image of a large pile of cucumbers.

Which type of cucumber should you plant in your garden? All types grow fast and have high yields, but each has unique benefits, too. Vining types save space, pickling fruits hold up to processing, and seedless varieties may grow without pollinators. This guide to cucumber categories will help you explore your options.

Grow Your Own Birdhouses with These Decorative Gourds

A close up horizontal image of Lagenaria siceraria fruits growing vertically on a trellis pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Birdhouse gourds (Lagenaria siceraria) are fun plants for the whole family. Learn how to start them from seed and train the twisting vines on arbors and trellises for a homegrown hideaway, then watch blossoms give way to hard-shelled hanging fruit that’s perfect for making decorative homes for the birds. Read more now.

How to Prevent and Treat Powdery Mildew on Pumpkin Plants

A close up horizontal image of a large green leaf covered in a white fungal coating with small developing fruit in the background pictured on a soft focus background.

Pumpkin plants are highly susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal infection can affect the quality of the fruit. In severe cases, it can destroy your whole crop. However, there are treatments available and preventative measures you can take. Learn how to prevent and treat powdery mildew on your pumpkins in this guide.

How to Train Pumpkins to Grow on a Trellis

A close up horizontal image of a large pumpkin with the vine trained to grow vertically and the fruit supported by a large rock on the side of a raised wooden garden bed.

Is your pumpkin vine taking over the garden, growing faster than you can contain it? Don’t lose hope. Growing your gourds vertically can tame those unruly vines, and training pumpkins on a trellis also helps to keep them free of pests and disease. To learn everything you need to know, read more now.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

A close up horizontal image of a small ceramic bowl containing cleaned, roasted seeds, set on a wooden surface. In the background are two ripe orange pumpkins in soft focus.

The culinary value of pumpkins goes beyond enjoying the tasty flesh in soups and pies – the seeds can be just as useful as a healthy snack that’s packed with essential nutrients. Making your own roasted pumpkin seeds from homegrown squash is a simple way to help utilize all parts of the pumpkin. Read on to learn more.

11 of the Best Cantaloupe Cultivars to Grow at Home

Horizontal image of two slices, a partially cut, and a whole cantaloupe with tan netting, on a wood surface.

Though the cantaloupe that’s available at the grocery store is generally pretty standard, this marvelous fruit is actually available in a variety of enticing cultivars. Ready to grow your own juicy and sweet melons? Dig into our roundup on Gardener’s Path to pick the best variety for your garden. Read more now.

11 of the Best Pumpkin Varieties for Cooking

A close up of two winter gourds growing on the vine, with bright orange skin, straw mulch on the ground, and a metal fence to the right of the frame.

Carving is cool, but it’s also fun to grow pumpkins that are great for cooking. From heirloom giants to hybrid minis, these 11 pumpkin picks are a home chef’s dream. Try them in your favorite fall soups, breads, pancakes, and even pumpkin lasagna, and freeze the excess from your bumper crop to enjoy all year long.

How and When to Fertilize Your Pumpkin Plants

A close up of a metal spade applying granular fertilizer to a raised garden bed containing pumpkins, marigolds, and lavender.

If you’re growing pumpkins, you might be wondering how and when to fertilize your plants for an abundant harvest of gorgeous gourds. Pumpkins are heavy feeders, and the plants need different nutrients in different growth stages. Discover how to fertilize your plants with the right nutrients at the right times. Read more.

5 Reasons Why Your Pumpkin Isn’t Producing Fruit

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You’ve sown and nourished pumpkins, and they’ve grown vines, leaves, and flowers. But you’re not seeing any fruit at all. Or maybe you see some fruit, but far less than you expected. What went wrong? In this article, you’ll learn the top 5 reasons why your pumpkin isn’t fruiting, plus what to do next. Read more now.

When and How to Trim Pumpkin Vines

A close up of a large pumpkin patch with long trailing vines, large green leaves and small orange flowers, and developing fruits.

If you’re wondering how and when to prune your pumpkin vines to keep them healthy and productive, you might feel confused. By trimming your pumpkin plants, you’ll grow an abundant harvest of gourds, and minimize pest and disease issues. In this guide, you’ll discover which vines to trim, and how and when to do it.

The Best Companion Plants to Grow with Pumpkins

A garden scene with a pumpkin growing among a selection of other vegetables and plants.

Pumpkins are an excellent crop to grow for a bounty of gourds for fall decorations and, of course, pie. But what should you grow alongside your pumpkins? Learn about the best companion plants to grow in your pumpkin patch for pest control, soil improvement, and to maintain diversity in your garden. Read more now.

How to Grow Your Own Pumpkins

A close up of two pumpkins growing on the vine, resting on the soil in the summer garden. In the background is foliage and soil in soft focus.

Have you always wanted your own pumpkin patch, filled with winter squash that are perfect for cooking and decorating throughout the fall? It’s not as hard as you might think. From small cultivars to large homegrown varieties that are ready to be carved into jack-o’-lanterns, we’ve got you covered. Read more now.

Train Those Melons on a Trellis: How to Grow Cantaloupe Vertically

A close up of a cantaloupe melon growing vertically in a greenhouse, ready for harvest, pictured on a soft focus background.

Are you wondering if you have space in your garden for vining cantaloupe? It’s true that they take up several feet of space when they’re grown on the ground. But you can grow them vertically to save space, help prevent disease, and allow them to get all the sun they need. For everything you need to know, read more now.

11 of the Best Pumpkins to Grow for Pies, Puree, and Other Treats

A close up of an autumnal kitchen scene, with a pie, a rolling pin, unshelled walnuts, and three pumpkins on a rustic wooden surface on a dark background.

If you want to grow pumpkins to make pie, puree, and other delicious treats, which variety should you plant? While you can make pie out of many pumpkin cultivars, some have sweeter flesh than others. Learn about 11 of the best pie pumpkins to grow in your garden now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Choose the Best Halloween Pumpkins to Grow in Your Garden

An autumnal scene, with pumpkins carved and whole, surrounded by straw and candles set on a wooden surface.

If you’re getting ready to plant your Halloween pumpkins, you might need help choosing the perfect varieties for that spooky night. In this guide, you’ll learn the best varieties to grow whether you’re carving, painting, eating, or just setting out the bright veggies for decoration. Read on to discover your favorites.

How to Grow Cantaloupe in Containers

A close up of a row of black plastic pots growing cantaloupe melons indoors in a greenhouse, fading to soft focus in the background.

Cantaloupe is a warm weather crop that’s sweet, firm, and scrumptious. If you want to harvest homegrown cantaloupe, but don’t have room in your garden (or the right type of weather) why not try growing it in containers? Planting in pots saves space in your garden and can extend the growing season. Read more now.

When and How to Harvest Cantaloupe, the Sweetest Garden Candy

A close up of two hands from the right of the frame grasping a small melon with "netted" rind, just prior to harvest, pictured on a soft focus background.

If you’re growing cantaloupe, you may be wondering when and how to harvest the melons for maximum sweetness and flavor? Discover all the top tips on when and how to harvest your delicious, homegrown cantaloupe. Plus we’ve got some recipe ideas for different ways you can enjoy the juicy sweetness. Read more now.

7 of the Best Ornamental Gourd Varieties

A close up picture of a large variety of different ornamental gourds and edible squash in different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes in bright sunlight.

Ornamental gourds are easy to grow and add color and texture to your garden. Did you know they are available in an array of shades, shapes, and sizes – and they’re perfect for brightening up the backyard or decorating your fall table. Learn about the different varieties and discover our 7 favorites. Read more now.

9 Quick Tips to Make Jack-O’-Lanterns Last

A person wearing a blue plaid shirt and an apron carves a jack-o'-lantern, with more large orange pumpkins to the left, on a wood work surface with scattered fall leaves and green foliage in soft focus in the background.

Nothing says Halloween like jack-o’-lanterns, but what good are they if they rot before you can say trick-or-treat? Before you go to the farmers market, read 9 quick tips to make carved pumpkins last longer. From selecting the best to inhibiting moisture, we’ve got ideas you can use, right here on Gardener’s Path.