How to Grow Winter Squash

Winter squash, contrary to the name, is a warm season vegetable that is grown in most places in the United States. The difference is in the skin of the squash. Summer squash has thin skin and may be eaten raw or cooked. Winter squash have thick, hard skins. The most common winter squash is the pumpkin. Other types would be the acorn or buttercup squash. Growing winter squash is easy with these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Winter squash seeds or seedlings
• Fertilizer
• Water
• Mulch if needed
• Garden spot
• Organic insecticide as needed

1. Allow for a full three months of a warm, frost free environment to produce fruit. Squash is very sensitive to frost.

2. Begin indoors before the last frost in peat pots or cell trays one half inch deep. Place three seeds per pot or cell or you can plant directly in a garden after the danger of frost is past.

3. Transplant seedlings outdoors when the danger of frost is past and soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees. Most winter squash require more room in the garden than summer squash.

4. Grow winter squash in a corner of the garden and train the vines to grow outside of the garden or plant summer squash about 2 feet apart in rows that are 2 feet apart or plant in hills. Set one plant per hill and space the hills 4 to 5 feet apart. Make the hills by mounding topsoil, compost and well-rotted manure.

5. Water regularly, especially in the hot, dry summer months.

6. Dust for squash vine borer, squash bugs and cucumber beetles with an organic insecticide as needed.

7. Harvest winter squash when the stems that connect the fruit to the vine start to shrivel.

Tips & Warnings

• If planting summer squash from seeds, germination will take six to 10 days.
• Winter squash will last most of the winter if stored between 50-55 degrees, with moderate humidity.
• Do not water the foliage as it causes mildew. Watering summer squash in the early morning helps prevent mildew.
• To avoid damage to the squash plant, cut the summer squash from the vine instead of snapping it off.

Resources

• TexasGardener.com has great info on squash and recipes.