CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
429 
earliness, due to planting- under glass, is probably more 
marked than with any other cucurbit. The plan is pop 
ular for the summer crookneck type. 
When planted in the open it is customary to sow 10 
to 12 seeds in each hill, enriched with two or three fork- 
fuls of rotten manure, and then to thin to two or three 
plants. Squashes are also planted in drills and thinned 
according to the space needs of the variety grown. The 
bush types of patty pan and crookneck are generally 
planted 4x4 or 4x5 feet apart. The winter or running 
varieties need as much space as pumpkins and water- 
melons. Distances vary from 8x8 to 10x12 feet, de- 
pending upon the fertility of the soil and the vigor of 
the varieties. Figure 99 shows a field of Boston Marrow 
in Massachusetts with 12 feet between rows. 
607. Marketing.— For local markets, summer squashes 
should be harvested before the rinds harden to any con- 
siderable extent. When to be shipped long distances, 
they must be fairly ripe in order to stand transportation. 
The barrel is the standard package for handling this 
vegetable. 
608. Storage. — Successful storage depends largely 
upon proper methods of harvesting. The fruits should 
be removed with short stems before hard frosts arrive. 
They must be handled with the greatest care and placed 
promptly in heated buildings, which are often built for 
the purpose. It is customary to store squashes in bins 
or on racks, where, with the temperature above 50, they 
may be kept until May or June. Sweet potatoes and 
squashes are sometimes stored in the same house. 
609. Enemies. — The common squash bug (Anasa tris- 
tis), which is so well known, is one of the worst insect 
enemies. The pests are unusually resistant to insecti- 
cides. Soapy water in which sulphur is held in suspen- 
sion has proved effective in some sections. Hand pick- 
ing of the insects and the eggs is effective but tedious. 
