Want reliable, heavy-setting squash without the midseason crash? This field-tested guide walks you through soil prep, sowing, trellising, and clean airflow so vines stay healthy and fruit sets steady. You’ll spot male vs female blooms, know when to hand-pollinate, and water deep without stressing the plant. Common pests—cucumber beetles, squash bugs, vine borers—get simple, same-day responses that spare your pollinators. You’ll learn when to pick summer squash for tenderness, how to cure winter squash for storage, and which temperatures actually matter. Clear steps, plain checks, and quick fixes keep you moving, even on busy weeks. Take notes, repeat what works, and enjoy bowls, roasts, and long-keeping fruit all season.