Butternut Squash

What you'll need:

Butternut squash seeds or seedlings (you can easily find them at gardening stores)

A large pot (at least 18 inches wide and deep) or a well-prepared garden bed

Rich, well-draining soil (if your soil is too heavy, mix in some compost or sand)

All-purpose vegetable fertilizer

When to start:

Butternut squash loves warm weather, so plant it after the last frost in spring when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C). If you're in a cooler climate, consider starting indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost.

Choosing a spot:

Squash plants spread out quite a bit, so give them plenty of space. They need full sun—at least 6-8 hours a day. If planting in pots, make sure they’re large enough to accommodate the plant's growth. If planting in the ground, choose an area with room to sprawl.

If you have seeds:

1. Plant seeds in small pots or directly outdoors if the soil is warm enough.
2. Place 2-3 seeds in each hole, about 1 inch deep.
3. Water gently but thoroughly and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 7-10 days.
4. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed true leaves, thin them out to leave the strongest one per hole.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Gently place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil.
3. Firm the soil around the base of the plant and water immediately.

Plant spacing:

• Space plants about 3 feet apart in rows that are 4-6 feet apart.
• If using containers, only plant one squash per large container.

Tip: Squash plants grow long vines, so feel free to direct their growth by guiding them along the ground or up a trellis.

Watering:

• Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for the base of the plant rather than the leaves.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.

Feeding time:

• Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep the plant nourished.
• After flowers appear, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium to encourage fruit growth.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Ensure they get plenty of sunlight—around 6-8 hours daily.
• Protect young plants from cold snaps by covering them with cloth or plastic if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Minor problem solving:

• Watch out for pests like squash bugs or vine borers. Handpick them off or use insecticidal soap.
• If leaves turn yellow, check for overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Adjust watering and add compost or fertilizer as needed.
• Support heavy fruits with a piece of wood or tile under them to prevent rotting.

When to harvest:

• Butternut squash is ready to harvest about 80-100 days after planting.
• Look for a hard, tan-colored rind that resists puncture when pressed with a fingernail.
• The stem should be dry and woody.

How to harvest:

• Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached.
• Handle the squash carefully to avoid bruising.

After harvesting:

• Cure the squash in a warm, sunny spot for about 1-2 weeks to harden the skin and improve storage life.
• Store in a cool, dry place where temperatures stay around 50-55°F (10-13°C).
• Properly cured squash can last several months in storage.

Q: My squash plant has lots of flowers but no fruit, what’s wrong?

A: Squash plants produce both male and female flowers. Early on, you might see mostly male flowers. Be patient; female flowers (which develop into fruit) will appear soon. You can also hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers using a small brush.

Q: Why are my squash leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering, underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly. Consider adding compost or a balanced fertilizer to boost nutrients.

Q: Can I grow butternut squash vertically?

A: Yes! Butternut squash can be trained to grow up a sturdy trellis. This saves space and keeps fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot. Just make sure to support heavier fruits with slings made from old pantyhose or fabric.

Q: What should I do about powdery mildew?

A: Powdery mildew is common in squash plants. Improve air circulation by trimming excess foliage and avoid overhead watering. You can also treat affected areas with a mixture of water and baking soda or use a fungicide.

Q: Do butternut squash plants need a lot of space?

A: Yes, they do spread out. However, you can manage their growth by training them along a trellis or fence, or even by pruning back excessive growth once fruits start forming.