Let’s get our hands dirty and talk about growing my absolute favorite winter squash: butternut squash! If you’re like me, you love the sweet, nutty flavor, the long storage life, and how versatile it is in the kitchen.
I’ve been growing butternut squash for years, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you, from planting seeds to battling those pesky squash bugs.
Growing Butternut Squash
Seriously, if you haven’t tried butternut squash pie, this roasted butternut squash soup or maple roasted butternut squash, you’re missing out! But before we get to the delicious part, let’s talk about how to grow these beauties in your own garden. I’ve grown them in raised beds, directly in the ground, and this year, I’m even trying a vertical growing experiment with an arched pig panel. (Stay tuned for updates on that!)
Choosing the Right Location & Soil Preparation
First things first, butternut squash loves sunshine! You’ll want to pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Think of it as their beach vacation.
Now, let’s talk soil. Butternut squash thrives in rich, well-draining soil. I always amend my soil with plenty of compost or aged manure before planting. This gives the plants a good boost of nutrients. You want your soil to be slightly acidic to neutral, around a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Pro-Tip: If you’re gardening in heavy clay soil, adding some sand or perlite can improve drainage. For raised beds, a good mix of topsoil, compost, and peat moss works wonders.
Best Butternut Squash Varieties for Long-Term Storage
If you’re like me and planning on storing your butternut squash for the winter, choose varieties that are known for their good storage qualities. Some of my favorites include:
- ‘Waltham Butternut’: A classic variety with excellent flavor and storage life.
- ‘Butterscotch PMR’: Resistant to powdery mildew, a common squash disease.
- ‘Honeynut’: A smaller, sweeter variety that’s perfect for single servings.
Planting Butternut Squash
Timing is crucial when planting butternut squash. You’ll want to wait until after the last frost date in your area and when the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C). I usually aim for late spring or early summer.
You can either start your seeds indoors or direct sow them into the garden. If you live in a colder climate with a shorter growing season, starting seeds indoors is a must. About 4-6 weeks before the last frost, sow your seeds in small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, you can carefully harden them off and transplant them outdoors.
How to Plant Butternut Squash
If you’re direct sowing, plant your seeds about an inch deep and space them according to the variety you’re growing. Butternut squash plants take up a lot of room. When I plant them in directly in ground, I plant them in hills, with 2-3 seeds per hill, and space the hills about 4-6 feet apart.
Get a Head Start on Your Butternut Harvest – Start Seeds Inside
If you live in a region with a short growing season, starting your butternut squash seeds indoors is a fantastic way to give your plants a head start. It allows you to nurture strong seedlings that will be ready to thrive once the weather warms up.
1. Choose the Right Seed-Starting Mix:
- Opt for a sterile, soilless seed-starting mix. These mixes are specifically formulated for seedlings, providing excellent drainage and aeration.
- Look for mixes that have peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. These help retain moisture while preventing the soil from becoming compacted.
- Avoid using garden soil, as it can harbor diseases and pests that can harm delicate seedlings.
2. Planting the Seeds:
- Start your seeds about 4-6 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date.
- Use small pots or seed-starting trays with drainage holes.
- Fill the containers with your chosen seed-starting mix, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Plant the butternut squash seeds about 1 inch deep.
- I plant 2 seeds per cell, and thin out the weaker seedling after they germinate.
- Gently water the soil until it’s evenly moist but not soggy.
- Cover the containers with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a humid environment. This will help with germination.
3. Caring for the Seedlings:
- Warmth: Butternut squash seeds germinate best in warm temperatures, around 70-85°F (21-29°C). Place the containers in a warm spot, such as on a heat mat or near a sunny window.
- Light: Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and provide them with plenty of light. A sunny south-facing window is ideal, but you may need to supplement with grow lights to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water from the bottom if possible, by placing the containers in a tray of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture.
- Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the seedlings to prevent fungal diseases. A small fan can help with this.
- Fertilizing: Once the seedlings have their first true leaves (the leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves), you can start feeding them with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, and follow the instructions on the label.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, you’ll need to harden them off. This process gradually acclimates the seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week or two.
To plant your starts, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the seedling in the hole, and backfill with soil, pressing soil down firmly, and water thoroughly after planting.
I like to set up drip lines to water my butternut squash from the soil every day in the summer or every 2-3 days in the spring. This helps prevent fungal problems and pest by keeping the plant dry, but the soil moist.
Vertical Growing with Arched Pig Panels:
This year, I’m trying something new! I’ve set up an arched pig panel trellis to grow my butternut squash vertically. This method saves space and can improve air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. I’ll be training the vines to grow up the trellis and supporting the fruit with slings or netting as they grow. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes!
Natural Squash Bug Control
Ah, the dreaded squash bugs… We battle these buggers every single year! These little pests can wreak havoc on your butternut squash plants. I’ve found that a combination of prevention and natural control methods works best.
Prevention:
- Crop rotation: Don’t plant squash in the same spot every year.
- Remove debris and weeds: Squash bugs love to hide in these areas.
- Row covers: Use row covers early in the season to protect young plants.
Natural Control Methods:
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants.
- Neem oil: Spray neem oil on your plants to deter squash bugs.
- Encourage beneficial insects: Ladybugs and parasitic wasps are natural predators of squash bugs.
Handpicking Squash Bugs
While it might seem tedious, consistently handpicking squash bugs and their eggs is one of the most effective natural ways to keep their populations in check. It’s especially important early in the season, when the bugs are just starting to emerge. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.
Regular Inspections: Make it a habit to inspect your butternut squash plants (and other cucurbits) at least a few times a week, especially during the morning or evening when squash bugs are most active. Pay close attention to the undersides of leaves, where squash bugs often lay their eggs. Check stems and the base of the plant as well.
Identifying Eggs: Squash bug eggs are small, oval-shaped, and bronze or brown in color. They are usually laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves.
Crush the eggs between your fingers or scrape them off the leaves and into your bucket of soapy water.
Catching Adults Adult squash bugs are brownish-gray, flat-backed insects. They can be quite quick, so a bit of strategy is helpful.
The Duct Tape Trick: This is a fantastic method! Wrap a piece of duct tape around your hand, with the sticky side facing out. Use the tape to gently touch the squash bugs, and they will become trapped on the adhesive. This is especially helpful for catching those fast moving adults.
The Soapy Water Bucket: Prepare a gallon bucket filled with water and a generous squirt of Dawn dish soap. The soap breaks down the bugs’ exoskeletons, causing them to drown. As you find squash bugs, drop them into the soapy water.
Why Dawn Dish Soap? Dawn dish soap is effective because it acts as a surfactant, which means it reduces the surface tension of water. This allows the soapy water to penetrate the waxy coating on the squash bugs’ bodies, causing them to suffocate. It is also considered safer for plants than many harsh chemical pesticides.
Persistence! Squash bugs can be persistent, so don’t get discouraged if you see them returning. Continue your regular inspections and handpicking throughout the growing season!
Companion Planting for Butternut Squash
Companion planting can help improve your butternut squash yield and deter pests. Some of my favorite companion plants include:
- Marigolds and nasturtiums: These flowers attract pollinators and repel pests, I usually use marigolds with my butternuts.
- Beans and corn: The “Three Sisters” method is a classic companion planting technique for butternut squash.
- Oregano and mint herbs help repel pests!
Plants to Avoid: Potatoes are not good companion plants to butternut squash.
Harvesting & Curing Butternut Squash
You’ll know your butternut squash is ripe when the rind is hard, the color is dull, and the stem is dry. Cut the stem, leaving a few inches attached to the squash, and handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
Curing is essential for long-term storage. Place your harvested squash in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about two weeks. This allows the skin to harden and helps prevent rot.
Storing Butternut Squash
Store your cured butternut squash in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or cellar. The ideal temperature range is 50-60°F (10-15°C). Check your squash regularly for signs of spoilage and discard any that are soft or rotten.
There you have it! Everything you need to know about growing butternut squash. I hope you’re inspired to try growing your own. And remember, once you harvest those beauties, check out my blog for some delicious butternut squash recipes.
Let’s grow together!
I’m always excited to connect with fellow gardeners and share our experiences. If you decide to plant butternut squash this season, please share your progress with me! I’d love to see your seedlings, your harvest, and your delicious butternut squash dishes. And remember, I’ve got a whole collection of butternut squash recipes waiting for you [link to recipe posts] to help you make the most of your bounty.
