Thank you :) The vining zucchini was fun. I was afraid the vines were going to take over my yard.
I had problems with disease with some of my squash and melons too. I think my problem was cucumber beetles. The vining zucchini stayed healthy through most of the summer. However, there were a couple varieties of melons and squash I never was able to taste because the plant died too early. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? I think it’s worth it to give it another shot though.
This summer I’m going to try growing cucuzzi, which is an edible gourd, similar to zucchini. It is supposed to be more disease resistant. I will still give some squash and melons a try. I plan to grow Minnesota midget melons and butternut squash as well.
Cherry tomatoes are really resilient. I was still harvesting cherry tomatoes into November this year, which is pretty rare. I am hoping to grow some yellow pear toms this year, and maybe a couple other varieties. I bet Brandywine tomatoes will be delicious.
I think we're going to plant in whiskey barrels in the middle of the yard this coming season. We put in a screenhouse, so now I've got to plant around it. Barrels may be an easier way to manage weeding, fertilizing and watering.
We've had a problem in the past with squash borers. They're an ugly bug.