winter squash

Squash, with its long vines and large leaves, can protect the soil from getting scorched and prevent weeds from getting out of control. Many indigenous cultures have long recognized and taken advantage of this by planting what are known as the three sisters: corn, beans, and squash grown side by side. The corn provides a natural trellis for the beans, the beans add nitrogen to the soil, and the squash acts as a living mulch.

VarietiEs

Winter squash is grown for its sweet flesh; the tough exterior keeps it from rotting well into the winter months. My favorites are Burgess Buttercup and Thelma Sanders acorn squash. Most squashes grow enormous, but these tiny gems make perfect single servings.

WHERE WINTER SQUASH THRIVES

Regional compatibility

Winter squash can grow anywhere in the United States, but requires a long growing season and doesn’t enjoy cold weather.

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Optimal sOIL & sun

Winter Squash prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH balance 6.0 to 7.5) and grows best in moist, well-drained, loose and sandy conditions. That said, it is tolerant of a variety of soil types, except for heavy clay.

These sprawling plants like at least eight hours of sun. Give them afternoon shade in hot regions when water is scarce.

RESILIENCE

Squash loves the heat and can be mildly drought-tolerant once established in the garden. The plant’s large leaves shrivel in dry weather but quickly recover once watered.

PLANTING

FROM seeds

Plant squash directly in the ground. These plants have sensitive root structures that don’t like to be disturbed. If you start squash indoors, be sure to transplant it before it becomes root bound.

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Best time of year to plant

Squash is a fair-weather plant that won’t do well unless it’s planted in the heat of summer.

COMPANION PLANTS

Along with well-known companions beans and corn, flowers marigold and nasturtium will help ward off pests. Avoid planting too close to other low-growing crops, because when these vines take off they will cover anything in their path!

Growing

Squash’s natural tendency is to sprawl. If you have a small garden, train the vines by pushing a few stakes into the ground about two feet apart and weaving the vines between them. Or just cut back on any unwanted vines. You won’t get as much squash that way, but less can be best with this fast-growing vegetable.

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WATERING

Winter squash needs regularly watering, especially when the squash themselves are forming. Water your winter squash an inch a week at minimum, but they will be happy with more – especially if you are in a dry climate. Stop watering when the fruit is fully mature.

Weeding

Weed your winter squash regularly when the plants are young. Mature plants can out-compete most weeds. Mulching is a common practice for squash and helps keep weeds at bay.

Fertilizing

Winter squash are heavy feeders, and you may notice them sprouting up in your compost pile! Give them a good dose of high-quality compost at planting time, and again mid-season.

CHALLENGES

Knowing when to harvest winter squash may be its biggest challenge. A partly dried stem and a hardened skin are two good indications.

pests & DISEASE

Winter squash are fall prey to two main pests: the Squash Bug and the Squash Vine Borer. Squash bugs will suck the sap out of leaves and stems, and lay more sap-sucking babies on each leaf. Turn leaves over to look for clusters of bright orange eggs, which need to be removed. The Squash Vine Borer will bore holes in the stem of the plant, lay its eggs inside. The larvae will eat the stem from the inside out, causing the plant to die. If you see evidence of these pests, wrap the stems of your unaffected squash plants in cheesecloth or aluminum foil.

A wide range of rots, wilts, and blights can weaken or kill squash during the summer. Fortunately, this happens late enough in the sea- son that the plants are well established and don’t need the leaves that might wither away. To help prevent fungal disease, water only the base of the plant, not the leaves.

Harvest

Leave winter squash on the vine until the end of the season. You can pick it, and clear away the vines, at the same time. Cut the vines at the base of the stem so you can leave the roots in the soil. Winter squash stores well in a cool dark place.

STORE

Cure your winter squash in a warm, dry place for two weeks. This will encourage the squash to sweeten, and increase their storage capacity. Some winter squash will store for 5 months if properly cured.