How to Grow Winter Squash in The Summer

Winter squash grows easily and does well even in summer heat. This vegetable differs from summer squash in that it is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, when the seeds within have matured fully and the skin has hardened into a tough skin. Planting winter squash is best done once the soil in your area warms fully, typically in May or June. Winter squash does not germinate well in cold soil and may be damaged due to frost.

34-0-0 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep. Add compost to create a mound.
- 2
  Plant five seeds per mound, 1 to 2 inches deep. Once they start to grow, thin to two plants per mound.
- 3
  Water deeply and infrequently and keep the weeds out. Side dress with a 34-0-0 fertilizer after the vines develop runners, recommends the Utah State University Extension. Avoid using insecticides, as this can kill the bees necessary to pollinate squash and pumpkins, notes the University of Illinois Extension.
- 4
  Harvest once the winter squash turns a deep, solid color and attains a hard rind. Cut the squash from the vine carefully, leaving 2 inches of stem still attached.

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