Why are the roots of yellow squash and zucchini growing out of the ground?

Question

My yellow squash and zucchini are growing out of the ground. They have been planted in hills with proper planting methods but for some reason the plant starts to grow out of the ground and then has super poor yields. I have gotten two edible yellow squash out of two plants. They flower, start to grow a squash but then it rots and dies. the part that grows out of the ground ends up looking like a thick brown root. Please help! I can’t keep my squash in the ground.

Answer 1

Did you plant seeds, or started plants? Most experienced gardeners prefer to start squash from seed. Also, did you work the soil deeply under the hills, and add lots of organic soil amendment? Here’s an article on zucchini growing: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/growing-zucchini.htm
and an article on problems you might see: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zucchini/solutions-for-common-problems-growing-zucchini.htm
Don’t be discouraged. Often with gardening you need to try several approaches before you find what works.