Marianne's Response

Growing spaghetti squash in Southern California

Hello Experts!
A few months ago, we had spaghetti squash for dinner. My 10 year old daughter decided to utilize an unused pot and planted some of the seeds. We live in Southern California, zone 9b, and currently the pot is facing South west. It has gotten quite big and now has a couple of tendrils and quite a few buds. I’d like to attempt to keep it alive, but am not sure it’s in the best environment to thrive. So far it has grown ok without my interference, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to have enough room. Advice?

Posted by Heidi Bunch on May 7, 2016

Marianne's Response

I suggest you leave the squash plant were it is and enjoy the harvest. Squash loves the heat and sunshine and if you see buds then the plant is doing well so you should see squash forming soon. Keep the soil moist by watering when the top two inches of soil is dry. Poke your finger in to check. Potted vegetables usually need additional plant food to perform best as their roots are restricted by the container. Add a tablespoon of Osmocote around each plant now and you will be providing nutrition all summer. You can also use a liquid plant food such as Miracle Grow on potted veggies. Follow the recommended amounts on the label so you don't overfeed your squash. Congrats to your young daughter - I see a green thumb in her future. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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