Even the most amateur of gardeners will not shy away from growing squash. Squash is known to be a good friend of warm climate and does not grow in cold temperatures. A type of squash available in winter can be grown in summer by storing right through the winter and that’s how the name came into being. The skin of winter squash is hard and thick.
Pumpkin, Hubbarb squash, Delicata squash, buttercup squash, butternut squash are among many winter squashes available. If you are looking forward to growing squash, here is the way to go.
The soil needs to be frost free and warm. This must be the condition of soil at least three months before planning to grow squash. Initially, there is no harm in planting the seeds indoors before the last frost date. You can always transplant the seeds outdoors when the climatic conditions get more favorable. With a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5, the soil is ideal and ready to take on any squash challenge. Spacing the seeds adequately is crucial as they grow pretty large. Sunlight is again an important component in the growth of squash. Planting in the corner of your garden is a good idea with a gap of at least five feet between each hill created while sowing.
To ensure the soil is perfect, mix the compost and organic fertilizer well in the soil. Ideally six seeds per hill should be enough however watering the soil well is very important. The seeds once sowed takes at least 10 days to germinate. Row covers can help protect the seeds well from pests, rabbits, rats and always ensures continuous supply of sunlight. If you find that the rind cannot be pierced with fingertips then the fruit is ready to be harvested. Leave at least one inch of plant in the ground and cut from there. Once cut, wash the leaves well to get rid of any dirt and store it in cool place for at least two more weeks. Keep a check on the fruits for any decay that may possibly happen.
The entire process of growing squash is a matter of about two months.
Growing squash requires some attention to detail but is pretty easy and one for your garden.
Tags: Growing Squash