Winter Squash Growing Guide

Winter squash is a hardy, versatile vegetable that stores well and provides a sweet, rich harvest. Here’s how to successfully grow winter squash:

When to Sow

Outdoors: Sow seeds after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F.
Indoors: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, and transplant once the weather is consistently warm. Learn more about different winter squash varieties to find the best fit for your garden.

Outdoor Sowing

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 3-4 feet apart in rows spaced 5-6 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist until germination (7-14 days). For tips on vertical gardening with squash, check out growing squash vertically.

Indoor Sowing

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in small pots with a light, well-draining soil mix.
Keep the soil warm (70-85°F) and moist. Transplant outdoors when seedlings have two sets of true leaves and the frost danger has passed. Handle seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing roots.

Care & Maintenance

Sunlight: Winter squash requires full sun.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruit development. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
Mulching: Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer when vines start to spread and again when fruit sets. For tips on pruning, read how to prune squash.

Pests & Diseases

Common pests include squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and vine borers. Protect young plants with row covers and regularly inspect for pests. Learn how to manage squash vine borers to protect your plants.
Winter squash can be prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

Harvest when the skin is hard and cannot be pierced with a fingernail, usually in late summer to early fall. The stems should be dry and starting to crack.
Cut squash from the vine with a few inches of stem attached to extend storage life. Cure in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days before storing. Explore more tips in growing winter squash.

Garden Use

Winter squash thrives in garden beds with plenty of space. You can train the vines to climb trellises for better air circulation and space-saving.
Winter squash pairs well with corn and beans in a "Three Sisters" planting, which maximizes garden productivity.

Winter Squash Growing GuideUpdated 12 days ago