When to Plant and Harvest Squash
Sweet, nutty winter squash with tan skin and rich orange flesh
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 50 to 55F and 50 to 70% humidity. Keeps 2 to 3 months. Cure: About 10 days at 80 to 85F and 80 to 85% humidity. Do not store next to apples, pears, or other ripening fruit. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Butternut squash soup. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Sweet, dense, and nutty winter squash.
Variety notes: Longer-season winter squash with excellent storage.
Best Time and Place to Plant Squash
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Butternut Squash in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 36 inches apart, 60 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Deep water once weekly; reduce as fruit matures
- Days to harvest: 110
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 4 inches worked in before planting
- Kelp Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft monthly
Companion Plants
- Corn
- Beans
- Nasturtium
- Radish
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Fennel
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Skin turns from green-streaked to solid tan/beige
- Thumbnail cannot easily pierce the skin
- Stem turns brown and begins to dry
- Hollow sound when tapped lightly
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Squash?
Squash planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Squash?
The best time of year to plant Squash is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Squash?
Plant Butternut Squash in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Squash?
Plant Squash about 36 inches apart, with rows around 60 inches apart.
What grows well with Squash?
Squash is commonly paired with Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Radish.
How long does Squash take to grow?
Squash is typically ready to harvest in about 110 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Squash?
Harvest Squash when skin turns from green-streaked to solid tan/beige. Thumbnail cannot easily pierce the skin Stem turns brown and begins to dry