Seed Saving Blog

Did you know that squash varieties are the most common type of plant grown for human consumption?

This family includes Melons, Pumpkins, Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Gourd. And this is a great time to get your gardens started with some squash, where ever you are!

Cucurbirta pepo. Early Prolific Straightneck Squash is a picture-perfect yellow summer squash with gracefully arched stems. Produces abundantly. Harvest early as baby squash or wait until 5-6″ long for slicing.  Developed by the old Ferry-Morse Seed Company of Detroit, Michigan, ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’ was stabilized as a distinct cultivar from a selection of ‘Summer Crookneck’. Introduced in 1938, it was an “All-America Selection^®” winner that same year.  It remains an ever-popular heirloom variety that growers love for its delicious flavor and abundant fruit.

CULTURE: Plant seeds directly in the garden after soil reaches 70° F. In extremely cold areas, use black plastic mulch to raise soil temperature.

SOIL: Best yields come from well-composted, well-drained soil.

INSECTS AND DISEASES: Control pests with rotenone and pyrethrum.

SOIL: To best prevent blossom end rot, water at base of plant and provide slightly alkaline soil, rich in calcium.

COMPANION PLANTS INCLUDE: corn, nasturtiums.

SUGGESTED Individual Portion: 1/2 Tablespoon.

If you have grown this squash, leave a review and tell us about your experience here.

At the Great American Seed Up, we have several varieties of squash that are non-GMO, drought-tolerant, and non-hybrid so when you plant these seeds, success is around the corner.

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash is included in select SIB bundles and will be available at the 2021 Phoenix Seed Up.  Register for the Phoenix Seed Up at GreatAmericanSeedUp.org/phoenixseedup.

Check out all we have to offer at GreatAmericanSeedUp.com.

And if you need a little guidance on how to save seeds and grow food,  attend for our free monthly online educational event Seed Up Saturday! Sign up here: SeedUpSaturday.com.