Squash - Winter

Seeds may be started indoors up to 4 weeks before your last frost date or sown directly out in the garden as soon as the soil warms to 60F (15C), usually at least 3 weeks after your region's last frost. If you live in a very hot region its best not to wait too long to get plants started for, while temperatures over 100F (38C) don't bother ripening fruit, it will cause flowers to fall off prematurely, preventing fruit set. Sow seeds in rich, well drained soil, 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) deep, 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) apart with 4 to 5 seeds per hill. Hills should be 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 m) apart and 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall so that plants can grow away from the crown. Once seedlings are established, thin hills to the two best plants. If rows are preferred, use rows spaced 3 to 5 feet (90 cm to 1.5 m) and 2 seeds every 10 inches (25 cm). Space strongest plants to 3 feet (90 cm). Cut seedlings (when thinning) rather than pulling and disturbing the roots of neighboring plants. Winter squash can also be grown on a trellis or fence. Days to harvest depend on the variety being grown but need long growing periods.