Delay Planting Winter Squash and Pumpkins

Though this time of the growing season is a good time to plant most of our warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers, it is best to delay planting of winter squash and pumpkins until about mid-June.  Planting those two crops now will result in a crop that is mature enough to be attractive to the first generation of squash bugs in July.  Delaying until about June 20 will allow plants to escape attack by the first generation.   

There will be a second generation of squash bugs that will hatch in August.  Plant will need to be protected from that generation.  See our publication on squash bugs for information on means of control.  (Ward Upham) 

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