Squash (Winter) Growing Guide

Curcurbito pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata 

Squash (Winter)

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) 

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in late spring or early summer, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Some types grow to be large, long-vined plants, while others grow into compact bushes. Grow at the edge of your garden to save space.

Harvesting

Harvest winter squash when they plants begin to die back and the rinds cannot easily be pierced with your fingernail. Wipe clean, and store indoors at cool room temperatures.

Troubleshooting

Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers. Butternuts naturally resist these pests.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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