Use these tips to grow and harvest delicious butternuts, delicata, pumpkins, and more.
Winter squashes(Cucurbitaspp.)
There are dozens of varieties ofwinter squashall of which (including pumpkin) feature edible flesh.
Credit:Helen Norman
Of course, the amount of available flesh varies by key in, as does the flavor and texture.
Helen Norman
Where to Plant Winter Squash
Winter squash plants need lots of space to grow.
Theyll take over a garden quickly if not provided with plenty of room.
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If you lack space,grow small-fruited winter squash verticallyon asturdy trellisor opt for a bush-like cultivar.
Large squash is too heavy to trellis.
If you put the seeds in the ground too early, they will rot.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
To plant your seeds, make hills of soil about 1 foot in diameter.
Leave plenty of room5 to 6 feetbetween hills unless you are planting a bush variety squash.
They need warmth to germinate.
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Adrip hose or soaker hoseis handy for this purpose.
Reduce watering as your winter squashes ripen to avoid rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Most winter squash prefer warm weather and grow best in 50F to 90F.
Credit:Carson Downing
Winter squash plants tolerate light frost for short periods.
If colder temperatures are forecast,protect the plants from frostwith tarps or blankets.
Squash plants tolerate a wide range of humidity levels as long as they receive water regularly.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Pests and Problems
Pumpkins and squash haveseveral pests that can plague them.
The main pests that afflict winter squash arecucumber beetles.
Since winter squash is edible, look for natural solutions to control pests.
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Garden centers also sell different types of trapsthe most common being a sticky trap to put in your plot.
Just be aware that the resulting fruit may not be exactly like the parent plants' fruit.
Winter squash tends to cross-pollinate with other squashes and pumpkins.
Credit:Bob Stefko
If you arent concerned with cross-pollination, cut open any mature fruit and remove the seeds.
Wash the pulp from the seeds and spread them across a paper towel to dry.
Place the towel with the seeds in a dry area away from direct sunlight.
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After a week, store the dry seeds in an envelope.
Label them and keep the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to sow them.
Winter squash can also be propagated by takingstem cuttingsfrom healthy plants.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Each cutting should contain at least two or three nodes.
Keep them well watered, and the stem cuttings should begin to form roots in a couple of weeks.
When your plants have rooted,move them to the gardenafter a week of hardening off.
This process is usually used only with short-season squash.
Look for fruits that dont have blemishes or cuts.
verify to cut off the stem when harvestingdont tear it.
Store pumpkins and squash in a cool, dry place so they wont rot.
Most have been bred to be decorative, but some are meant for eating.
Plus their seeds are edible.
The vines may reach 15 feet in length.
Butternut squash has tan-colored skin and orange-yellow, sweet flesh.
As an annual, it thrives during warm weather in zones 2-11.
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash(Cucurbita pepo)has a unique texture.
It is a reliable crop in zones 2-11 and develops on 8 foot vines with large, heart-shape leaves.
Its yellow flesh creates noodle-like strands that are a tasty low-carb alternative to pasta.
Its small size makes it an ideal candidate for slicing or stuffing with a filling of your choice.
Acorn Squash
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Acorn squashthrive in zones 3-11 but fare best in mild climates.
Beans
Dana Gallagher
Pole beansare nitrogen-fixing plants that improve the soil for both squash and corn.
The beans benefit by using the corn as a support for climbing.
They are easy to grow from seed sown directly in the garden.
Ideally, the temperature should be 50F to 60F with the humidity at 50%.
Wait for the winter squash to cure for a month before eating it.
The flavor of most squashes improves during that time.
A delicata squash is an exception to this; it should be eaten right away for the best flavor.
you might, but cook it before freezing.
Peel it, remove the seeds, and cut the squash into pieces.
Blanch the pieces in boiling water briefly.
After they cool, store the pieces in bags in the freezer for up to 12 months.
