How to Grow Squash

Here are the top tips for growing squash. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

• Timing: Plant squash in the spring when air temperatures are consistently above 70°F and all danger of frost has passed.
• Location: Choose a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily.
• Soil: Improve soil nutrition and drainage in garden and raised beds by using Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil, or use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix in outdoor containers.
• Spacing: Give plants room to sprawl by spacing them 3 to 6 feet apart.
• Watering: Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week, watering the base of the plant to help prevent disease.
• Feeding: A month after planting, begin feeding squash plants regularly with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food.
• Harvesting: Harvest summer squash when it is young and tender (about 6 inches long) and winter squash when its rind is hard and fully colored.

Probably no other vegetable comes in as many shapes, sizes, and colors as squash. Summer squash like zucchini, winter squash, gourds, and pumpkins are all part of the same family. While the fruit may look different, they all grow in pretty much the same way. Here's the basics on how to grow both summer and winter squash plants in your vegetable patch.

When and Where to Plant Squash

Like many vegetables, squash needs full sun to thrive, so find a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. Squash is a warm-season crop, so wait to plant until the air temperature is consistently at or above 70°F and all chances of frost have passed.

All types of squash need rich, fertile soil and adequate warmth to produce their best. Before planting, amend the top 6 inches of your garden bed with a 3-inch layer of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil. Fill raised beds with the same soil. While most squash plants get very large and do best in a garden or raised bed, smaller, more compact varieties can be grown in outdoor containers. Choose a pot with drainage that is at least 12 to 18 inches deep and equally wide. Fill it with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix.

How to Plant Squash

Starting with young squash plants, like those from Bonnie Plants, will get you to harvest time faster and can be more reliable than starting from seed. You can also grow your own transplants by starting seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. If you decide to grow your squash from seed in the garden, plant seeds around 1 inch deep. 

Whether using seeds or young plants, space squash plants 3 to 6 feet apart to give them plenty of room to sprawl. After planting, water the area thoroughly. Always double-check your seed packet or plant tag, as needs can vary slightly between the many types of squash.

Caring for Your Squash Plants

Squash plants are heavy feeders and heavy drinkers, needing plenty of nutrition and water to grow and produce delicious fruit.

• Watering: Water your squash at the base of the plant whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid watering the leaves and fruit to help prevent fungal diseases.
• Feeding: To keep squash plants happy, provide them with a steady supply of nutrients. A month after planting, begin feeding regularly with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food.
• Preventing Diseases: Squash plants are prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in hot, humid conditions. Proper watering is a great first step, but you can also use a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch to keep vines and fruit from touching wet soil. Trellising smaller-fruited varieties can also help. Remove any dead or diseased leaves, vines, flowers, or fruits as soon as you see them.

When to Harvest Your Squash

Summer Squash: Zucchini, crookneck, and other summer squashes taste best when picked while they are small and tender, about 6 inches long. Use a clean knife or pruners to cut the stem about an inch from the fruit.

Winter Squash: Leave pumpkins, gourds, and other winter squashes on the vine until they are the proper color for their variety and the rind feels hard when you press it with your thumbnail. Harvest before a hard frost by cutting the stem 2 inches from the fruit. Most winter squash should be "cured” for about a week in a sunny spot with good airflow to toughen the skin for storage.

How to Use Squash in Your Kitchen

How you use your squash varies by the type you choose to grow, but these versatile fruits can be used for everything from main dishes to desserts. Fire up the grill for an easy and delicious meal of Foil Dinners with Chicken, Vegetables and Lager or get creative by making Grilled Pizzas with Pesto, Tomatoes, and Squash Blossoms. Just be sure to store your squash in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to cook.

With so many varieties to choose from, you're sure to find a squash you love to grow and eat. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards of your bountiful harvest!