When to Seed Squash
Squash, both summer and winter squash species, are warm season crops. They need warm weather, lots of sun, and room to grow and, in some cases, sprawl. You can direct seed your squash seeds or start them indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost date. Either way, do not plant your squash outdoors until all danger of frost has passed. Winter squash have longer days to harvest times than summer squash, so take that into consideration when deciding what varieties to grow and when to plant them.
Where to Plant Squash
Choose a location with full sun and amend the soil with compost ahead of planting. Almost all winter squash varieties are vining types. Most summer squash varieties will not vine and grow in a bush habit, so you don’t have to worry about sprawling as much. But when it comes to growing vining types, make sure wherever you plant them, there’s enough room for them to sprawl. Squash can be planted slightly more closely together, and will save space, if being grown on a trellis! Utilizing vertical space saves square footage in the garden.
Growing Squash
Sow seeds ½ inch deep and, if direct seeding, six inches apart. Transplant or thin your seedlings to 24 to 36 inches (for winter squash) or 12 to 18 inches (for summer squash) as they germinate and grow. Allow for four to six feet of space between rows if growing on the ground. Squash is pretty low maintenance once established, though there are a number of pests to watch out for. Summer squash matures a lot faster than winter squash and should be harvested regularly and eaten fresh. Winter squash varieties should be left to fully mature and cure ahead of eating. Be sure that your squash plants get at least one inch of water per week.
Harvesting Squash
Summer squash and winter squash are both harvested a little differently. For summer squash, once your plants start producing, check them for mature squash daily. Avoid leaving summer squash to get too large as this can lead to decreased production. Ideally, you’ll be picking crookneck and straightneck varieties when they are one to one and ½ inch in diameter, zucchini varieties when they are six to eight inches long, and pattypan types when they are three to four inches in diameter. Use shears to cut one inch above the fruit, on the stem. For winter squash, you want to harvest once the fruit has turned a solid color and the rind is hard. Make sure to harvest before a hard freeze. Leave two inches of stem and more if possible. This will help prevent rot. Field cure your winter squash in dry, sunny weather, or cure your squash indoors in a well-ventilated space. Curing allows for longer storage. Store winter squash in a dry location around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure there is enough airflow around each fruit.
