Squash - Winter Garden Guide

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Squash-winter

Squash - Winter Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 8" (203 mm)
Row Spacing: 36-60" (914-1524 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/2-1" (12-25 mm)
Plants Per Person: 1
Soil Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
Days to Emergence: 5-10
Recommended Soil PH: 5.8-6.8
Seed Indoors: 4 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: After Last Frost
Tick Can direct seed outdoors
Tick Can seed indoors

Planting Squash - Winter

Prefers warm well-drained, fertile, loose soil, high in organic matter with pH between 5.8 and 6.8. Direct sow 4 to 5 seeds into a hill at 1/2 to 1 inch depth; space hills 5 to 7 feet apart. When plants are 3 inches tall, thin to 2 to 3 plants per hill by snipping off unwanted plants; this prevents disturbing the other roots.

To plant in rows, direct sow seeds 8 inches apart in rows 4 to 5 feet apart; thin to 1 plant every 3 to 5 feet. For transplanting, start inside with 3 or 4 seeds in each 3 inch pot about 3 to 4 weeks before time to place in garden; thin to 1 or 2 seedlings per pot.

Prior to transplanting, harden off squash by reducing both air temperature and water quantity. Plant squash in garden about 1 or 2 feet apart.

Growing Squash - Winter

Plentiful and consistent moisture is needed from the time plants emerge until fruits begin to fill out. Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Harvesting and Storing Squash - Winter

Winter squash can be harvested whenever the fruits have turned a deep, solid color and the rind is hard. Harvest the main part of the crop in September or October before heavy frost occurs. Cut squash from the vines carefully, leaving two inches of stem attached if possible; avoid cuts and bruises when handling.

Store in a dry location where the temperature is between 50-55 degrees F. For prolonged storage, do not pile squash more than two fruits deep. In order to reduce the risk of spreading rot, it is best to place the fruits in a single layer, not touching each other.

Squash - Winter Insect and Disease Information

Bees are necessary for pollinating squash and pumpkins and are killed by insecticides. If insecticides are used, they should be applied in late afternoon or early evening after the bees stop visiting blossoms for the day.

Squash - Winter Yield Information

No yield information for Squash - Winter.