How to Plant Delicata Squash

Wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm to plant your delicata squash seeds. Wait until the soil registers at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 4 inches. If the soil is cold, the seeds will not germinate and seedlings can be damaged by frost.

Plant your seeds depending on the type of delicata squash you want. Plant vining variety seeds 1 inch deep with four to five seeds per hill. Space your rows 7 to 12 feet apart. Plant the semi-vining type seeds at the same depth and space rows 8 feet apart. Bush varieties require the same planting depth but need only 5 feet between rows.

Add a pre-emergent herbicide immediately after seeding. Follow the instructions that come with your herbicide for proper use.

Keep the area well-hoed to prevent weeds from stealing resources from your squash seedlings.

Water your delicata squash infrequently. Squash grows best in well-drained soil that doesn't retain moisture. Water using a drip or soaker hose.

Avoid using pesticides unless completely necessary. Squash plants rely on bees for pollination. The use of pesticide kills bees. If necessary, use pesticides only in the early evening when the bees are not visiting the plants.