Yellow squash is one of the most popular garden vegetables. In South Florida, yellow squash is grown in the fall/winter and early spring.  It's easy to grow, and with proper care, has very few problems during it's main growing/producing stage.

There are two main types of yellow squash; Early Prolific Straightneck and Yellow Crookneck. There is also a yellow zucchini, but that is not in the same family.

Early Prolific Straightneck squash produces many fruit very quickly (usually within 45 days of planting) on bush type plants that will not take over your garden. The fruits are club shaped, and have smooth or slightly bumpy skin. They should be harvested at 4-7 inches in size.

Early Straightneck squash plants don't like the harsh, later summer heat, which is why you should plant both this and crookneck squash for a continual summer squash harvest. When the straightnecks are fading, the crooknecks are just starting to produce.

Yellow Crookneck Squash is the most popular and recognizable of the summer squash. There are two main varieties of Yellow Crookneck Squash; the smooth skinned Cucurbita moschata and the bumpy skinned Cucurbita Pepo. The smooth skinned variety will grow vines 6-7 feet long. The fruits will grow from 4-8 inches in size, and the optimum size for eating is 6 inches.

Yellow Crookneck Squash will start to develop fruit about 45 days from seed, so for a continual harvest, it is best to plant them about 2 weeks after you plant your Straightneck Squash varieties. Planting one hill of squash a week will assure a continual harvest free of pest and diseases.

Related Articles:

If you can't plant a vegetable garden, support your local farmer's market
South Florida gardening basics for beginners
Get to Know Your Florida Extension Service
 

Sources:

Practically Edible Website