Squash, Winter
(Cucurbita maxima, C. mixta, C. moschata) Squash is a beautiful and tremendously important crop. Many winter types will store in cool, dry conditions for up to 1 year when cured properly. The small, quick-growing forms that are eaten before the rinds and seeds begin to harden are called summer squash. Direct seed ½ to 1 inch deep, or set out transplants after the last frost date. Don’t let transplants become rootbound; don't disturb roots while transplanting. The rule of thumb to avoid squash becoming pot bound is to never let them sit longer than 3.5-4 weeks in their pots and transplant very carefully. Sow clusters of 3-4 seeds and thin to strongest seedling. Ideal germination temperature is 70-95 F. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Seeds will germinate in 5-14 days. Read the description on your seed packet to determine the varieties vine length; this will help you determine plant spacing, bush and short vining varieties. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Large varieties with long vines should be planted 36-84 inches apart. Squash plants like rich, well-draining soil and lots of sun. Harvest when rinds become very hard and cannot be pierced with a thumbnail.
