Choose a sunny location with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Use well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8
Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting
Plant after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm
Sow seeds directly outdoors or start seeds indoors for transplanting
Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart
Plant seeds about 1 inch deep
Water deeply and consistently, keeping soil evenly moist
Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus and potassium
Train vines to spread or use a sturdy trellis with fruit support
Hand-pollinate flowers if pollinators are scarce
Remove weeds regularly
Monitor for pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs
Watch for diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot
Reduce watering as fruits begin to ripen
Harvest when the rind turns tan or yellow and the fruit slips easily from the vine
Check for a sweet aroma at the stem end before harvesting