The Secrets To Growing Patty Pan Squash

Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a type of summer squash with a distinctive flattened, scalloped, or ruffled flying saucer shape. It has a mild, delicate flavour similar to zucchini or courgettes and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Despite its exotic appearance, patty pan squash is surprisingly easy to grow. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing your own tasty crop of patty pan squash.

Patty pan squash seeds should be raised in May and planted when the soil is at least 65°F

Patty pan squash seeds should be raised in May, in time to be planted out once the frosts have passed, usually in late May or early June. The ideal soil temperature for planting patty pan seeds is at least 65°F (18.3°C).

The seeds will sprout quickly and the vines will grow rapidly, so it's important to plan ahead and prepare the soil before planting. Improve the soil by digging in lots of well-rotted manure, your own garden compost, or a proprietary soil improver. Fork in plenty of bulky organic matter, improving an area of at least 50cm square and 30cm deep for each plant. Patty pan squash thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.1 to 6.5.

When planting, create a shallow depression in the soil around each plant to direct water to the roots. Patty pan squash can be planted in hills or clusters, with two or three seeds per hill, spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. If planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows. This spacing allows room for growth and air circulation. Cover the plants with a bell cloche on cold nights or windy days until they are established.

Patty pan squash is a bush variety and does not require support or a trellis. However, it can benefit from being planted alongside a trellis or tomato cage to encourage vertical growth and save garden space.

Improve the soil by adding well-rotted manure, compost or a soil improver

Improving your soil is a key step in growing tasty, healthy patty pan squash. This variety of squash grows best in rich, well-drained soil. To achieve this, you can add well-rotted manure, compost or a proprietary soil improver. Dig in a generous amount of your chosen amendment to an area of at least 50cm square and 30cm deep for each plant. This will provide your patty pan plants with plenty of nutrients and ensure good drainage.

Well-rotted manure is an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients for your soil. It's important to use well-rotted manure, as fresh manure can be too strong and may damage your plants. If you don't have access to well-rotted manure, you can create your own compost by mixing organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. This is a great way to recycle organic waste and improve your soil.

Compost provides a rich source of nutrients and helps to improve soil structure and moisture retention. If you don't have compost readily available, you can also use a proprietary soil improver. These products are designed to enhance the structure and nutrient content of your soil and are available at most garden centres or online.

By adding these amendments to your soil, you will create an ideal environment for your patty pan squash to thrive. They will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth and ensure that water drains well, preventing waterlogging. Improving your soil will also benefit the overall health of your garden, promoting strong and vibrant plant growth.

Space hills 2-3 feet apart, with 2-3 seeds per hill, planted 1 inch deep

When growing patty pan squash, spacing is key. You'll want to space your hills 2 to 3 feet apart, with 2 to 3 seeds per hill, planted about 1 inch deep. This will give your patty pan squash plants plenty of room to grow and ensure proper air circulation.

Patty pan squash is a bush variety, so it won't need support. However, you can plant it near a trellis or tomato cage to encourage vertical growth and save garden space. The plants themselves will spread about 3 to 4 feet wide and reach a height of about 24 inches.

Once your seedlings reach a height of 2 to 3 inches, you can thin them to one or two plants per hill. This will give them the space they need to continue growing and producing fruit.

Patty pan squash thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Improve your soil by adding well-rotted manure, compost, or a proprietary soil improver. Keep the soil moist and provide extra protection on cold nights, as young plants can be sensitive to cold temperatures.

With proper care and spacing, your patty pan squash plants will thrive and produce an abundance of delicious squash for you to enjoy.

Cover young plants on cold nights and windy days

Young patty pan squash plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. To protect them on cold nights and windy days, you can cover them with a bell cloche, frost cloth, or a row cover. These coverings trap heat to keep the plants warm. It is important to drape the covering loosely to allow for air circulation and to secure it in place with rocks, bricks, or stakes to ensure it does not touch the foliage. You should also remove the covering when temperatures rise the next day to allow the plants to get full exposure to the sun.

In addition to covering your young patty pan squash plants, there are a few other measures you can take to protect them from cold temperatures. One is to plant them in a sheltered spot, such as near a south-facing wall, which will absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night. Another is to water the plants and the surrounding soil thoroughly before the cold weather arrives, as moist soil can hold more heat than dry soil.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your young patty pan squash plants stay warm and protected on cold nights and windy days.

Harvest when the squash is 2-4 inches wide

Patty pan squash is ready to be harvested when the fruits are 2 to 4 inches wide, which is about the size of a softball. They can be eaten when they are as small as a ping pong ball, but it is important not to wait too long to harvest, as the skin will no longer be smooth and edible beyond 4 inches. The squash can be harvested 45 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety.

The pattypan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a unique-looking summer squash variety. Its flattened, scalloped shape resembles a flying saucer, and it comes in colours such as white, green, yellow, or bi-colours. Patty pan squash has a delicate, mild flavour similar to zucchini, but with a drier texture.

When harvesting patty pan squash, it is advisable to wear gloves. The squash can be prepared in various ways, such as slicing, dicing, braising, grilling, frying, roasting, or stuffing. Small squash can be steamed whole for four to six minutes. They can also be used as edible serving bowls by scooping out the centre and filling it with desired ingredients.

Patty pan squash is easy to grow and can be direct-sown in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. They thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. The seeds are quick to sprout, and the vines grow rapidly, spreading 3 to 4 feet wide and about 24 inches in height.

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