As a gardener, nothing is more frustrating than growing beautiful yellow squash only to discover odd bumps and lumps covering their skins. These unsightly growths can ruin the appearance of an otherwise healthy squash. So what causes these bumpy deformities, and what can you do to prevent them?
Common Causes of Bumpy Yellow Squash
There are a few key culprits behind bumpy yellow squash
Viral Infections
The most common cause of bumpy squash is viral infection. Squash are prone to viruses like cucumber mosaic virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus watermelon mosaic virus and more. These viruses cause warty protrusions and discoloration on developing squash. Unfortunately, viruses can overwinter in your garden and spread via insects. Once a plant is infected, there is no cure.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria like Pseudomonas syringae can also lead to warty, distorted squash. Wet weather and insect damage spreads bacterial infections. Preventative measures like crop rotation and sanitation are key.
Fast Growth
If squash grow extra quickly after a period of drought/heat stress, the rapid expansion can cause lumpy bumps Ensure consistent soil moisture to prevent growth surges.
Calcium Deficiency
Lack of calcium in your soil can also trigger weird lumps. Squash need calcium for proper cell growth. Mulch with lime or add calcium amendments to avoid shortages.
Insects
Squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, and other insects that damage squash can cause scarring and malformations as the fruit develops around wounds. Use row covers or organic pest control early on.
Environmental Stress
Heat, drought, herbicide damage, etc can place stress on squash and impact how the fruits grow. Try to minimize stress with mulch, consistent watering, and shade covers if needed.
When Do Bumps Form on Squash?
Bumps on squash tend to form in the earliest stages of growth. The deformities you discover on harvest day actually started weeks before! Most culprits like viral and bacterial infections, insects, and stress impact the baby squash soon after pollination occurs. Prevention measures should focus on the initial fruit set stage.
Are Bumpy Squash Safe to Eat?
Luckily, bumpy squash are still just as edible as their smooth counterparts. The lumps are only surface deep, so the inside flesh is unaffected. Slice off any very warty portions and use the rest of the squash as normal. Of course, severely mutated or rotten squash should be discarded. But minor bumps and lumps do not affect flavor or nutrition. Some gardeners even find them intriguing!
How to Prevent Bumpy Squash
While you cannot cure existing bumpy squash, you can take steps to avoid bumps in future harvests:
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Plant resistant squash varieties when possible. Some are bred to deter common viruses.
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Use row covers to protect young plants from insect pests.
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Weed and remove debris to eliminate places insects and diseases overwinter.
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Rotate squash planting spots each year.
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Use organic pest control like Bacillus thuringiensis to kill squash vine borers.
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Ensure consistent soil moisture and fertility to prevent growth surges.
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Mulch and amend soil to provide calcium.
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Monitor for symptoms and remove any diseased plants right away.
What to Do with Existing Bumpy Squash
If you already have bumpy squash growing this year, stay diligent with prevention in the future. For now:
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Harvest bumpy squash timely to prevent rotting. The lumps hold moisture.
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Inspect inside flesh and cut away any areas that seem mushy or damaged.
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Remove the seeds and dispose of away from your garden beds to prevent disease spread.
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Till under vines and squash debris after harvest to eliminate overwintering sites for pests.
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Sterilize any tools used on diseased plants before using elsewhere.
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Monitor other cucurbits like cucumbers and melons closely for signs of infection.
While annoying, bumpy squash fruits are mostly just a cosmetic issue. Stay diligent against pests, viruses, and stress to keep your squash growing smooth and beautiful for years to come. With preventative care and prompt harvesting, you can still enjoy bumpy squash just the same as smooth ones!
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Why is my squash bumpy?
The most common and versatile squash are the zucchini and yellow summer squash varieties. While yellow, bumpy squash occur when summer varieties are left on the vine too long, there are other reasons for bumpy squash. Normally smooth zucchini and other varieties can produce a squash that is warty looking due to several diseases and pest problems.
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
Is yellow squash bumpy?
Yellow squash is supposed to be bumpy. The bumps on the skin of yellow squash are natural and are part of thir growth process. However, it is important to note that the older the yellow squash gets, the more bumps it will have. It is recommended to pick the squash when they are young and tender, as they will have fewer bumps and a softer texture.
How to prevent yellow squash bumps?
Practice crop rotation each season to break disease cycles. Taking these precautions will help safeguard your yellow squash from viral infections and subsequently reduce the appearance of bumps. Inspecting your squash plants regularly is crucial to preventing bumpy skin.