Growing guide: how can I grow curcurbits? (cucumbers, squashes, gourds watermelons)

What are Curcurbits?

The Cucurbitaceae family is the species with the most food used for human consumption. The common types of cucurbits that we are familiar with include the following:

• Cucumbers
• Pumpkins
• Summer/Winter squash
• Watermelons
• Muskmelons

Many people don’t know that gourds are included in this group as well. All cucurbits, except the bottle gourd, have bright yellow flowers. Each vine produces a male and a female flower.

Growing Cucurbit Crops

Cucurbits grow best in summer weather when days and nights are consistently warm.

Traditionally, cucurbit crops need a fair amount of space to sprawl and twine, however, there are now dwarf and bush types of cucurbits that are well suited to small spaces.

It is also possible to train traditional vines to vertical structures to save space. Cucurbits need full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive. Before planting, add organic matter for best results. If your soil is particularly heavy, you can add peat or rotted manure.

All cucurbits require low nitrogen and high potassium for fruit development. It is always best to do a soil test before fertilizing. Be careful not to over fertilize with nitrogen. This will encourage a healthy vine but stunt fruit development.