Butternut Squash is a winter squash that is eaten only when it reaches maturity. You will be surprised to know that it is quite rich in nutrients, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. It also has potassium, iron, niacin, and beta carotene (that converts into Vitamin A in the body).
This pear-shaped fruit with a pale yellow colour is relatively easy to grow. If you are looking for an answer to How to Grow Butternut Squash, then you have reached the right place. We have recorded this process elaborately to help you further. If this interests you, then do read this post until the end.
Yes, How to Grow Butternut Squash?
You must be told that the growing season of Butternut Squash is through summer. They are best harvested in autumn. Yes, this means that this fruit requires warm soil to grow in, like the one that is 15 to 18 degrees C (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit ) warmed by the sun. We must add an appendage to this declaring the seeds will freeze as they get into contact with frost. They only germinate in warm soil and take 110 to 120 days to reach maturity. That is what the growing season is like.
How to Sow The Seeds?
First of procuring seeds online or from a greenhouse could be a good idea. Before you sow the seeds, make sure that the area is well altered and fertilized. It must be warm as explained and:
- You can draw a hill out of garden soil, about 18 inches high
- You can plant 3 or maybe 6 seeds per hill
- They should be 4 inches apart
- Make certain that the soil is moist and not wet
- You will notice the seeds have sprouted within 10 days
You can also use pots if you don’t have that much space at disposal. Your garden, your choice and you are free to take calls!
The Cultivation
Typically, your squash will be ready to be harvested within a week of sighting of your first bloom. You may pick them at a younger stage; if you prefer tender fruits. This is how you can go about cultivating your yield:
- Inspect, if the skin is hard and you cannot prick it with your fingernails
- You can start by plucking the vines
- No need to go deep
- This way there will less possibility of damaging the new crops and roots
- Use a hoe to cultivate it
You may refrigerate and it will last you for 10 days, or till they last. You will be surprised to know that in dry conditions, they can last for 3 months!
Maintaining Butternut Squash Plants
Butternut Squash plants do not take much of your time. A little care goes a long way with these plants. Yes, but you need to feed them regularly and follow these steps to get big juicy ones:
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Watering The Plants
This is the key to getting good plants and it is no different for these fruits. You must remember that these plants are heavy drinkers and feeders. They need an adequate amount of water till they mature. Plus, watering will ensure that they don’t dry up and form compost. Also, keep these pointers in mind while watering your plants:
- You must water them gently with a can or a garden hose
- Too much water is dangerous, as the soil becomes soggy
- To avoid stunted growth, you must water them just right
- Water them at least 3 times a week, or 4 in case, it is hot
- You must water the base to prevent mildew formation or sunburn
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Fertilize Them
You must fertilize them thoroughly during their growing time. Once, you witness the first fruits (of your labour), start feeding them with high-potash fertilizer that is available for squash in liquid form. Do it once in every 10 to 14 days.
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Keep It Bug free
You must check on your Butternut Squash daily for squash bugs, pests, diseases, striped cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Don’t let them steal the nutrients away from your plants! Just spray them with pesticides day-to-day to eradicate any such menace.
Butternut Squash is a nourishing option for the health-conscious people. You can integrate it into many recipes like pies, roasted, or boiled, and its health benefits are a blessing. It is simple to grow and does not take a lot of your time to cultivate this fruit. Yes, it brings you a lot of advantages. Did you know that a single vine can yield you 10 to 20 fruits? That is really interesting, isn’t it?
On the other hand, it does not even canning or refrigeration. You can just store it and the most important thing is, your kitchen garden will look beautiful with the vines all around. Do let us know if you liked our take on How To Grow Butternut Squash via the comments section
