Have you ever considered gardening, but were too intimidated? Afraid that you will kill everything? It is easier than it seems to grow healthy, fresh food and you don’t even need a lot of space. Springtime is the best time to start planning what you would like to grow and where. If this is your first garden, aim for plants that are easy to grow and easy to take care of.

Here are a few plants that I would recommend for first time gardeners. Growing these sure fire crops this year will give you the confidence to try other crops in the future years

Squash

Squash is usually divided into two categories, summer squash which is harvested in the summer and winter squash which is harvested in the fall. This post will focus on the summer variety.

Summer squash is a warm-weather vegetable that is easy to grow and produces abundant harvests. These easy to prepare, delicious vegetables come in various shapes, sizes and colors, including zucchini, yellow squash, and crookneck squash.

Note: All types of summer squash require similar types of care. Summer squash has several health benefits. In addition to being low in calories, summer squash can be a good source of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, improve digestion, help maintain healthy blood pressure and decrease the risk of colon cancer and other digestive conditions. Summer squash is also good source of riboflavin and vitamin C!

While commonly prepared as a vegetable, squash are actually fruits. They can be enjoyed fresh in salads or cooked in a variety of ways, ranging from savory dishes to sweet pies. Zucchinis, specifically, are typically cooked and can be prepared by steaming, boiling, grilling, baking, barbecuing or frying. They are often used as a replacement for pasta in dishes. They are also commonly used to make bread and the flowers can be deep-fried for a tasty treat.

Summer squash thrives in warm weather conditions, hence its name. It is advisable to wait until the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees before planting it outdoors. While direct sowing is possible, starting the seeds indoors three to four weeks before last date can get you a jump on the growing season. Plant seeds one inch deep in well-drained soil; seeds will begin to sprout in about 7-10 days. To keep squash plants healthy, they need about an inch of water per week. This can increase to two inches per week during hot spells. Apply underneath the plant directly to the soil to prevent wet leaves. Because the plants are so prolific, they are also heavy feeders, feed with a slow release organic fertilizer.

When you spot tiny fruit on your summer squash plants, it is important to check on them often! Summer squash grows quickly, and you don’t want to miss the perfect harvest window. For zucchini, pick once the fruit is 5-8 inches long to ensure the best flavor. Straightneck and crookneck squash should be picked with they reach 4-5 inches in length, while pattypan squash should be about 3-5 inches in diameter. Never pull off fruit, rather use sharp pruners or garden shears to cut through the stem.

Let’s look at the different types of summer squash you could add to your garden this year.

Zucchini is a year-round staple and is particularly abundant during the summer months when it is at its peak. The classic variety of zucchini has thin skin and firm flesh. Black Beauty zucchini is a very popular variety that grows in bushes with dark green, straight fruit. Sunstripe is a yellow zucchini with cream-colored stripes. The Italian heirloom Cocozelle is green with ribbing and light green stripes.

Pattypan squash, which is also referred to as scallop squash, is a type of small round squash that has scalloped edges. These squash come in different colors, including green, yellow and bicolor. There are various types to choose from. Lemon sun is bright yellow with tulip-shaped fruit. Total Eclipse produces solid green fruits with abundant flavor and high productivity. Sunburst is a deep yellow variety with a buttery flavor.

Straightneck squash has a long and straight shape, with a narrower neck. These squash are always yellow in color. Chiffon is a yellow strightneck squash with a smooth white flesh. Zephyr has yellow skin with a green blossom end.

Crookneck squash shares many similarities with straightneck squash, except that is has a bend at the neck and a more bulbous end. These squash are also always yellow in color and have a range of textures. Superset is an early-maturing variety that yields a generous harvest with delicate flavor.

Whatever variety you choose, growing summer squash can provide a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious vegetables that can be used in a variety of dishes.