Growing butternut squash is much simpler than other fruits and vegetables. The following steps should help you with the process of planting and nurturing this vegetable.
Where to Plant Butternut Squash
Ensure that you are planting in warm soil. If you’re going to plant in pots, they need to be filled with peat. You must plant them only when the ground has thawed.
Planting and Caring the Seeds
The seeds should be planted half an inch deep to an inch deep. Spacing should be at least 4 inches. If you’re planting the seeds in hills, space them 4 to 6 feet apart. You also need to make certain that frosting won’t take place.
These plants need to be watered regularly. If you’re growing butternut squash, water it immediately after planting. Follow this up by watering every two days up to germination. Do not soak the ground; it just needs to have moderate moisture.
Soil and Fertilization
Squash needs to be fed regularly. Make certain that the soil gets lots of rich fertilizers. For best results, you should side dress the fertilizer in the soil. After that, you should apply the fertilizer on a consistent basis.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Butternut Squash
It’s important that you thin the hills to ensure good growth. Those who are growing butternut squash should thin the plants when they reach 4”. The ideal setup is three plants for every hill. Remember that butternut squash grows up to 10 inches long. It will need a lot of room for the vines that will appear.
Insects and Diseases
The plant is susceptible to several kinds of fungus. There are also some insects that prey on the butternut squash. The fungicides and medications are either organic or non organic. You need to do some research to get the right one for your plant. Follow all the instructions before using it.
Most insecticides should be used in the nighttime. This is necessary so the bees won’t be affected. Bees are essential for pollinating plants.
Regardless of the insecticides and fungicides you use, keeping a clean garden is essential. Remove any stagnant water in the area. Get rid of any deadwood, weeds or other debris in the garden.
Harvesting the butternut Squash
After growing butternut squash, you should wait for the right time to harvest. That would be when the rind is firm and there are a couple of inches of stem. Picking it before it is ripe will lessen its flavor.
If you pick it with a small stem, the squash won’t last. You must harvest all the butternut squash before the fall frost. Any remaining fruits will be destroyed.
As a rule, butternut squash will be ready in three months. The germination time is usually one to two weeks. The best butternut squash are those with thick necks and a small base. Also look at the rind; the darker it is, the sweeter the taste.
While growing butternut squash is easy you should take the steps to take care of them. As long as you properly nurture it, getting your hands on that butternut squash will happen sooner than you think.
How to Grow Butternut Squash,
