Plant: Winter Squash

Garden Prep Pointers: 

*Select full sun location where these plants have NOT been planted within the past 24months: Zucchini, Squash or melons (of any sort) cucumbers, or pumpkins

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in 15-15-15, or organic fertilizer (amount specified on package).

Planting Season: 

*Seeds: direct sow into garden May 7^th – Late June

*Transplants: Plant outside May 15^th – Late June

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Healthy transplants or seeds both work well.

*Choose small, bushy plants, with dark green color and 2-6 leaves. 

*Choose plants in ‘peat pots’ which are  bio-degradable and you may plant the pot and all, preventing you from needing to remove the especially fragile zucchini plant from a plastic pot.

Planting Guide:

*Seeds: Plant 3 seeds 8-12” apart in a triangle on a 24” wide by 6” tall mound.

*Plants: Plant 24” apart on long mound. (mound varies by user, it helps to keep fruit out of mud.

*Planting through black plastic sheet helps warm soil, prevent weeds, and protect fruit from mud and disease, without additional labor or chemicals

Planting Notes: 

*Seeds: Plant about 1.5” deep.

*Peat Pot: tear bottom of pot away with thumb, bury pot with plant inside up to top of pot. 

*Water thoroughly (both cases).   

Upkeep:

*After planting, avoid fertilizing again until fruit set.  Upon fruit set apply one more dose of liquid or granular fertilizer.

*Water daily, plastic mulch helps retain moisture in soil if one day is missed.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants usually fruit 3-3.5 months after planting.

            *Each Plant typically yields 5-6 fruit, depending on the type of winter squash.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

            *Spaghetti Squash

            *Acorn Squash

Grower Notes:

*When planting on plastic, place soaker hose under plastic, OR puncture holes in coffee can or similar container, set into ground next to plant and fill can to water plant.

*Proper pest control is important with squash to prevent the spread of cucumber beetles whom bring in several diseases.  Organic Oils are a great solution. 

Fruits of Knowledge:

            *Although Winter Squash is most popular in the Fall and winter months, it is becoming more popular to grill out with during the summer.  Don't be put off by the name, and plant it with everything else in your Summer garden.