How to Grow and Harvest Squash

If you’ve ever wanted a plant that really gives back, squash is it. These big-leafed beauties produce loads of fruit, feed the bees with their bright blossoms, and bring serious summer abundance to any garden. Whether you’re into tender zucchini, buttery yellow squash, or hearty winter varieties for cozy stews, growing squash is pure garden magic.

Choosing Your Squash Type

There are two main kinds of squash - summer squash (tender and fast-growing) and winter squash (thick-skinned and long-storing).

Summer Squash: Pick young and eat fresh. Try ‘Black Beauty’ (zucchini), ‘Yellow Crookneck,’ or ‘Pattypan.’
Winter Squash: Grows longer and stores through winter. Go for ‘Butternut,’ ‘Acorn,’ ‘Delicata,’ or ‘Spaghetti Squash.’
Compact Varieties: ‘Bush Baby’ or ‘Space Miser’ are great for containers or small gardens.

When and Where to Plant

Squash love warmth and sunshine.

Plant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil is above 65°F (18°C).
Sunlight: Full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours daily.
Soil: Rich, well-draining, and full of organic matter.
Spacing: Give them room—at least 3 feet between plants (more for vining types).

Mound soil into small hills or raised beds to improve drainage and warmth.

Watering and Feeding

These thirsty plants need steady moisture to keep fruit tender and flavorful.

Water deeply at the base, 1–1½ inches per week. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent mildew.
Mulch generously to retain moisture and protect shallow roots.
Feed monthly with compost or an organic vegetable fertilizer.

Pollination & Blossoms

Squash produce separate male and female flowers. Bees are the matchmakers here—so never skip planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby!
If you see blossoms but no fruit, try hand-pollinating: gently transfer pollen from a male flower to a female one (the female has a tiny baby squash behind it).

Harvesting Squash

Summer Squash:

Harvest young and tender - about 6–8 inches long for zucchini.
Pick often! The more you harvest, the more they produce.

Winter Squash:

Wait until the rind is hard and the stem starts to dry.
Harvest before the first frost, leaving a small piece of stem attached for longer storage.
Cure winter squash in a warm, dry spot for 1–2 weeks before storing in a cool, dark place.

🎃 Food Tips & Ideas

Grill or roast sliced zucchini with olive oil, salt, and herbs for a quick summer side.
Bake cubes of butternut squash with maple and cinnamon for a sweet fall dish.
Stuff pattypan or acorn squash with rice, veggies, and cheese for a hearty meal.
Roast the seeds with sea salt for a crunchy snack.