88 Squash 



SQUASH 



The bush variety of squash should be planted in 

 hills four or five feet apart each way, while the 

 running variety should be given at least twelve 

 feet in which to spread. Three or four hills or 

 vines will be all that is needed for a small, family. 



Squashes should not be planted until the ground is 

 thoroughly warmed, as they require a warm soil, 

 and a rather rich one. They will grow, however, 

 in almost any soil. 



Only well-ripened squashes should be stored and 

 they should be gathered before frost falls on them, 

 as a frost of average severity will impair their keep- 

 ing qualities. They should never be pulled from the 

 vine but should be cut with a knife, leaving on 

 about an inch of stem as a protection against bugs 

 entering the fruit, and a precaution against too 

 much moisture starting the fruit to rot. They 

 should be handled carefully to avoid bruising 

 and should be stored in a moderately warm but 

 well-ventilated room. A temperature of from 

 fifty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit will be just about 

 right. 



The summer variety of squash will not be 

 satisfactory for fall use, as they do not keep 



