How to Grow a Lakota Squash

Till the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches in a sunny location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. Exposure does not need to be consecutive hours. Three to four hours of morning light, shade from the midday sun and another three to four hours in the afternoon provides the light the squash needs to thrive.

Remove rocks, roots and other debris from the soil and rake the area smooth. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or aged manure over the soil. Work the organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil with a garden tiller or hand tools. Organic matter improves drainage, provides a slow-release source of nutrients and increases aeration.

Add 2 lbs. of balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet of area. Work this fertilizer into the soil.

Plant Lakota squash after all danger of frost has passed in your area and soil has warmed to 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 4 inches. Planting squash before the soil has warmed thoroughly poses the risk of slow or no germination.

Sow seeds to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch spaced 3 to 5 feet apart in rows spaced 6 feet apart. Lakota squash spreads to 4 to 6 feet and requires adequate room for vines to sprawl.

Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge in seven to 10 days. Germination time depends on soil temperature and weather conditions. Reduce water to once or twice a week once seedlings are established and have their second set of true leaves. Water when soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface of the soil.

Sidedress with 10-10-10 fertilizer by spreading a band of fertilizer along the row, approximately 4 inches from the plants and working it into the soil with a garden hoe. The Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends applying 3 tbsp. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 10-foot row one week after blooming, and repeating the procedure again in three weeks.

Allow Lakota squash to mature fully on the vine for winter storage. Lakota squash matures in 85 to 100 days, depending on the growing conditions. The outer shell hardens and color deepens as the squash matures. Thin outer shells that bruise easily are not yet mature.