Growing Great Squash and Cucumbers: Checklist

Sun: 8 hours of direct sun a day.

Timing: sow or transplant after last frost, once soil is about 65°F (18°C).

Soil: rich in compost, well-drained, pH 6.0 to 6.8.

Spacing: vining types need 3 to 6 feet. Trellis cucumbers to save room and keep fruit clean.

Water: 1 to 2 inches a week, deeply, at the soil, not on the leaves.

Feed: compost at planting; side-dress when vines start to run.

Cover early: row cover keeps out cucumber beetles and squash vine borers. Remove it when flowers open so bees can pollinate.

Mulch: once the soil is warm.

Poor fruit set: if fruit starts and shrivels, pollination is failing. Hand-pollinate with a small brush.

Harvest: check daily. Cucumbers small and firm, zucchini at 6 to 8 inches. Winter squash when the rind resists a fingernail; cure before storing.

Rotate: 3 years.