Do you know the right time to plant winter squash? This kind of thing can be tricky if you live in an area with 4 different weather conditions. When to plant winter squash seeds properly? It’s usually done after the frost has gone away. Read more to learn the details of this plant.
Winter Squash: Getting the Deeper of It
Winter squash typically needs a rather long growing season, which can go up to 75 days, which are frost free, even up to 100 days. So, when to plant winter squash? That’s why you can plant the seeds by late May, if you live in northern areas. But if you live in the southern locations, then early July would be the best time. If you are in doubt, you can always check the local frost dates to be sure.
The squash is commonly harvested in autumn or late summer. Because of their hardy rinds, winter squash have a long shelf life. Some of the varieties, such as delicata, butternut, spaghetti, pumpkin, acorn, and Hubbard can last the winter.
In the traditional farming system of Native American, squash is often grown together with other plants, getting them the name ‘Three Sisters’. It’s common to grow squash with corn and beans. Each one has its own function. Squash can prevent weeds because it functions as the ground cover. Beans provide the (natural) fertilizer for the three of them, and then corn acts as the beans’ support system.
Winter vs Summer Squash
In terms of the growing method, both are quite similar. However, winter squash needs more food, water, time, and space. Not to mention that winter squash comes with a thicker rind than summer squash.
You can also tell from their seeds. Summer squash has seeds that are distributed all through the fruit, while winter squash has its own separate seed cavity. It’s almost the same as the pumpkin, which is actually one of the many winter squash types.
How to Do It
Now that you already know about when to plant winter squash, it’s time to learn about how to do it. You can go with the direct sow, meaning that you plant the seeds onto the soil directly, or you can choose the potting method. You should know that squash is very sensitive and prone to cold, so if you go with the direct sow, you need to make sure that frost danger has completely passed. The soil should also be 60 degrees Fahrenheit (minimum), but it’s best if it can be 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Squash loves a lot of space with full exposure to the sun. It’s because of their sprawling vines. In most cases, you need around 50 square feet to 100 square feet for most winter squash varieties, especially the full size ones. The soil must be well draining, well fed, and moist, but not soggy or wet. It’s a good idea to mix compost or aged manure with the combination of organic matter and 50% of native soil. Do it several weeks before the planting process starts, and it should be deep within the soil.
However, if you live in an area where the growing season is short, you can start planting the seeds in pots. It is preferable to use peat pots. Do it around 2 weeks to 4 weeks before the last spring time frost date. keep in mind that the seedlings don’t always handle transplantation or they may not transplant well. You need to take care of the roots gently.
Harvest Ready
In most cases, winter squash should be ready for harvesting in early autumn or mid autumn, which usually happens from late September to October. Summer squash is typically harvested when tender although it is a little immature. It’s not that case with winter squash. You only harvest it when it’s completely mature. How do you know that it’s ready for harvesting? The vine leaves will die and it will turn brown. The stems look dry and become tough. When you check the rind, it’s hard with deep color. Try piercing it with your fingernail. If you can do it, then it’s not mature just yet.
Final Words
Growing winter squash may take extra effort and patience, but the end result is worth it. Learn about when to plant winter squash and how to do it properly, and you can expect a successful outcome.