Question
I have been growing yellow straightneck squash for many years. This year some/most of them have green markings on the outside. Can you tell me what causes this? Could it be a lack of nutrients in the soil? These were bought as bedding plants.

Answer
Hi Paul,

I do not think it is caused by anything in the soil, since you bought them as bedding plants my thought is the variety of straightneck squash is different than what you have purchased in the past.  New varieties are always being produced so my thinking is you have a variety that has green on them.  Squash varieties can easily be cross pollinated if different varietes are grown within a few hundred feet of each other, so it is important to get seeds that are harvested properly.  You can check back with whoever you purchased from to see what seeds were actually planted if you are concerned.  

Unless you are growing for show, so long as the squash is tasty the markings should not make any difference.

Hope this helps,
Catherine Abbott
www.your-vegetable-gardening-helper.com