Hello and greetings from Maine on this very wet and drab May 1st. The forecast is for rain, rain and more rain today but I could use a good indoor day so I don’t mind. 😉
On the agenda for today; sort all my winter squash seeds. I don’t know about you, but I plan on growing a boatload of winter squash this year. Partly because they store exceptionally well {all winter AND BEYOND} if you store them properly and because well, I just love the way the vines look all sprawled out across the garden at the end of summer.
If you’ve never grown winter squash before, they couldn’t be easier to grow.
Brief description: Winter Squash has thicker skin {rind} that allows them to be stored longer into the winter season {hence the name}. Winter squash includes several varieties, such as butternut squash, hubbard squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash just to name a few. They are different than summer squash in that the skin is not edible.
Where to Plant Winter Squash: Plant in a sunny location in raised beds or garden beds. Some varieties can be grown in large containers.
Planting Seeds: Start seeds outdoors about 2 weeks after average last frost {they usually have long tap roots which make them fickle about transplanting, so it is best to start them outdoors}. Plant seeds about 1″ deep in loose fertile soil. Thin to 1-2 per mound when seedlings reach 2″ tall.
Growing Tips: Squash, in general, are super easy to grow. As the gardening season winds down pinch off any new flowers to allow plant to use its resources to finish any remaining squash. Winter squash likes consistent watering and well-drained soil.
How to Harvest: Harvest before last frost. Harvest when you can barely pierce the skin with your fingernail and the stems are dry and cork like. To harvest, cut squash off the vine, leaving about 2″ of vine on the squash.
Storing Winter Squash: The beauty of storing winter squash is that is soooo easy. It’s not like tomatoes that take all day to can and process. You just need a cool, relatively low humidity place to store them {think: garage or basement}. They do best in temperatures between 50-60. Any colder, and they are unhappy, which significantly affects their lifespan. Any hotter and they go bad really quickly. Under the perfect conditions, they will store all winter long. See, winter squash isn’t just a clever name.
Winter squash. All the cool people will be growing it this year! 😉
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
This recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna is OVER THE TOP delicious and hands down my all time favorite winter squash recipe. You can get the recipe HERE or Pin it for Later.
Also, this recipe for Bacon and Butternut Squash Casserole is pretty darn amazing! You can find the recipe HERE.
Joely says
I love winter squash but so do the vine borers in my yard. I am doing a few varieties but only expecting a decent harvest from the butternut squash.
Marti says
I grow a lot f different types of winter squash but I was always told to harvest when you COULD NOT pierce the skin with your fingernail. If you can pierce, it isn’t quite ready yet. I use squash in so many different ways–soups, casseroles, and of course, in any recipe calling for pumpkin.
Linda says
I always start my squash/pumpkin plants in pots a month before they can be planted outside. I’ve never experienced a problem transplanting, and when I plant plants instead of seeds, I know how many I have growing.
Wendy Lato says
I like Territorial seeds selection of squash. I especially like Tromboncino squash. They are listed as a climbing, vining summer variety but can also become a winter squash. We treat them as both summer and winter squash. They store beautifully. Taste like butternut squash and can grow to 3 feet long. We also like Autumn’s Choice winter squash. They are green and orange and grow very large.
Joely says
Thanks for the great information. Will have to check them out!
Brynn says
Can you write about growing things and not having them cross pollinate? I have a pretty big garden area, but I am finding myself growing my yellow crookneck squash in my backyard, and pumpkins behind the shop. And even though I love growing cucumbers they always want to cross with my zucchini…so I have stopped growing them. Help! What’s your advice. What crosses with what? I work full-time and have a 4 and 6 year old so it’s tough to get out and keep everything watered.
Cass says
Mavis, in one of your pictures your leaves have a lot of fungus on them. When I have a year like that (cuz it sure does happen) I wipe my pumpkins and squash with a solution of bleach water to kill off the spores on the skin of the fruit. I find that when I didn’t do that they spoiled a lot faster than if I took the time to get rid of the spores (and other nasties) on the squash.
Diane says
Did you mean wipe them down while they were still growing or after harvest? And how much bleach per water? Thanks for the tip!
Cate says
Thank you for the regional planting guide. I will definitely be referring to it. Your place is looking beautiful and…healthy.