Squash is one of the most delicious and easiest vegetables you can plant in your garden. On top of that, it easily grows in most regions of North America so you don't have to worry too much climate! Today we'll show you how to grow squash in your garden, no matter which variety you choose to plant! As you may already know, there are many varieties of squash, most of which are vine plants. Before you go ahead and start planting any squash, make sure to know which variety you're planting.
There are two types of squash varieties: summer and winter. Summer squash do not spread as much as vine varieties do and they include straight-neck, crooked-neck, scallop, and zucchini. Winter squash are vine varieties and include acorn, butternut, spaghetti, and hubbard.
How to Grow Squash
Planting Squash:
- Squash can be directly sowed outdoors or started indoors if the weather is not yet favorable.
- Both summer and winter squash are often planted in hills about 1 inch deep.
- Plant 4-5 seeds per hill, thinning down to 2 or 3 plants per hill once seedlings have developed their true leaves.
- Plant squash in a full sun area with fertile soil and lots of moisture.
- Mix some compost into the soil before planting seeds to retain moisture.
- Space each hill and row 3 to 4 feet apart.
- If starting seeds indoors, do so 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
- Start the seeds in peat pods and plant 3-4 seeds per pod.
Harvesting Squash:
- Check your squash crop often as they can grow very quickly, especially in warm weather.
- Squash that is overly ripe can loose all flavor and become very seedy.
So now that you know how to grow squash, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Happy Planting!
