How to Grow Acorn Squash
Ensure you have at least a three and a half month growing season in full sun., Purchase a packet of acorn squash seeds at your local gardening supply store., Start seeds inside three to four weeks before you expect the last frost of the season.Check...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ensure you have at least a three and a half month growing season in full sun.
Acorn squash takes two and a half to three and a half months to mature, and, like most types of winter squash, can’t be picked before they are ripe.
Extra acorn squash seeds can be saved for six years. -
Step 2: Purchase a packet of acorn squash seeds at your local gardening supply store.
If you’d rather not plant your own seeds, you can wait until spring to find seedlings and starts at your farmer’s market or garden center. , If you have a longer growing season, start your seeds outdoors about two weeks after the first frost. ,, Seedling trays are not generally big enough for squash seedlings.
Fill the pots with seed mix and sprinkle with warm water before planting each seed one inch (2.5 cm) deep. , Cover the pot with plastic wrap for the first few days to improve germination.
Generally, the seeds sprout within 5 to 12 days. , They should be ready to transplant into your garden soon. , You need at least a three-foot (0.9 m) plot in all direction to grow winter squash without overshadowing other vegetables.
Your bed should be in full sunlight.
If you don’t have three feet (0.9 m) to spare, build a trellis or use a fence to grow the squash vertically.
They can be separated two feet (0.6 m) apart and trained to grow up the support system. , Aim for a pH content between
5.8 and
6.8 for best results.,, Then, plant in three-foot (0.9 m) mounds with approximately three seedlings per mound.
Planting atop a mound ensures that the roots will not rot, since squash require a lot of watering.
If you are planting seeds directly into the garden, plant them in a mound with six seeds per mound.
Thin to three plants after germination.Acorn squash that are planted near a fence or trellis will not need to be mounded. , After the broad leaves start to form, you should weed by hand regularly.
The large leaves will shade out some weeds. , Let it soak for a few minutes to reach the whole root system.
Water below the leaves to avoid powdery mildew and scab. , Cover your plants with netting cheesecloth while they are young, if you have a problem with cucumber beetles., They will have a dark green shell when they are nearing maturity.
When the skin is strong enough to resist being pierced by your fingernail, they are ready to pick. , Use a sharp pair of kitchen or garden shears. , Find a cool, dry and dark place to store your squash. , If stored in a less than optimal area, they can last for two to three weeks.
If stored in a cellar, they can last several months. -
Step 3: Start seeds inside three to four weeks before you expect the last frost of the season.Check your state’s almanac to see when that will be.
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Step 4: Cover the seeds in a warm damp paper towel for a few hours
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Step 5: while you prepare your soil.
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Step 6: Plant six seeds in three-inch (7.6 cm) pots.
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Step 7: Place the seeds in a sunny window that you can supplement with fluorescent light.
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Step 8: Thin the seeds to three per pot when they start to crowd.
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Step 9: Prepare your beds.
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Step 10: Amend your soil with compost in the winter
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Step 11: if possible.
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Step 12: Aim to plant your seedlings when the soil has warmed to approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius).
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Step 13: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30.5 cm).
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Step 14: Place mulch around your squash for the first few weeks if you have a weed problem.
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Step 15: Water your squash mounds when the soil begins to dry out.
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Step 16: Look out for squash vine borers that leave “sawdust.” You can remove them by hand.
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Step 17: Test the acorn squash individually after two to three months.
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Step 18: Cut the squash from the stem
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Step 19: leaving approximately one inch (2.5 cm) of stem on the squash.
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Step 20: Rinse and dry the surface.
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Step 21: Place them side by side rather than stacking them.
Detailed Guide
Acorn squash takes two and a half to three and a half months to mature, and, like most types of winter squash, can’t be picked before they are ripe.
Extra acorn squash seeds can be saved for six years.
If you’d rather not plant your own seeds, you can wait until spring to find seedlings and starts at your farmer’s market or garden center. , If you have a longer growing season, start your seeds outdoors about two weeks after the first frost. ,, Seedling trays are not generally big enough for squash seedlings.
Fill the pots with seed mix and sprinkle with warm water before planting each seed one inch (2.5 cm) deep. , Cover the pot with plastic wrap for the first few days to improve germination.
Generally, the seeds sprout within 5 to 12 days. , They should be ready to transplant into your garden soon. , You need at least a three-foot (0.9 m) plot in all direction to grow winter squash without overshadowing other vegetables.
Your bed should be in full sunlight.
If you don’t have three feet (0.9 m) to spare, build a trellis or use a fence to grow the squash vertically.
They can be separated two feet (0.6 m) apart and trained to grow up the support system. , Aim for a pH content between
5.8 and
6.8 for best results.,, Then, plant in three-foot (0.9 m) mounds with approximately three seedlings per mound.
Planting atop a mound ensures that the roots will not rot, since squash require a lot of watering.
If you are planting seeds directly into the garden, plant them in a mound with six seeds per mound.
Thin to three plants after germination.Acorn squash that are planted near a fence or trellis will not need to be mounded. , After the broad leaves start to form, you should weed by hand regularly.
The large leaves will shade out some weeds. , Let it soak for a few minutes to reach the whole root system.
Water below the leaves to avoid powdery mildew and scab. , Cover your plants with netting cheesecloth while they are young, if you have a problem with cucumber beetles., They will have a dark green shell when they are nearing maturity.
When the skin is strong enough to resist being pierced by your fingernail, they are ready to pick. , Use a sharp pair of kitchen or garden shears. , Find a cool, dry and dark place to store your squash. , If stored in a less than optimal area, they can last for two to three weeks.
If stored in a cellar, they can last several months.
About the Author
Michelle Lee
A passionate writer with expertise in DIY projects topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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