When to Plant Winter Squash for the Most Delicious Harvests

Winter squash refers to many different fruits, including sweet butternut squash and hearty spaghetti squash. These varieties are a delicious ingredient in many different recipes, from soups and salads to pies and breads.

However, unlike summer squash, winter squash typically have thicker skin—and they take longer to grow. Given this lengthy waiting period, knowing when to plant them is key to a successful harvest. Here's what the experts have to say.

When to Plant

The best time to plant winter squash depends on the climate where you live; contrary to their name, they won't tolerate the cold. "[They] can be killed by frost, and seeds won't start growing if the soil is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit," says Marissa Schuh, an educator at the University of Minnesota Extension.

In Northern regions, it may not be warm enough to plant winter squash until May, but in hotter Southern climates, you may be able to start winter squash as early as March.

The catch? Winter squash takes 80 to 120 days to reach maturity, so make sure you plant them late enough in the spring to avoid the risk of cold weather—but not so late that they don't have enough time to grow before the frost hits in the fall.

Transplanting Seeds

If you live in a region with a shorter growing season, you can get a head start by starting winter squash indoors about 3 to 4 weeks before planting them outside. However, handle these seedlings with care.

"[They] don't tolerate root disturbances during transplanting," says David Handley, a fruit and vegetable specialist at the University of Maine Extension. "So start seeds in peat pots, peat pellets, or other plantable containers. Sow three to four seeds per container."

He also recommends hardening the plants outdoors for a few days in a protected location before planting them outside. This will also help to lessen the transplant stress.

Where to Plant

You'll need a decent amount of real estate for your winter squash, as they like to vine out.

"The first time I grew winter squash, the plant left my vegetable garden and took over my lawn," says Schuh. "If you don't have a lot of space, look for a bush variety that has a smaller footprint."

Katie Oglesby, founder of Kitchen Garden Design House, also recommends trellising, which she says "saves space, reduces airflow, and helps with disease resistance."

Another key consideration when choosing a spot for winter squash is sun. These varieties need plenty of full sun to thrive, with eight to 10 hours being ideal. So avoid growing them in shady spots.

Don't Miss

29 Butternut Squash Recipes to Get You Through the Winter

How to Harvest Pumpkins (and How to Know When They're Ready)

Care Instructions

You'll need to provide the proper care for your winter squash to grow, thrive, and produce delicious harvests. Here's what the experts recommend.

Water

It's essential to provide your new winter squash seeds with enough water so that they can germinate.

Schuh recommends 1 inch of water per week and to focus on the soil, rather than the leaves. "Overhead watering can promote powdery mildew in some varieties," adds Aaron Steil, an agriculture specialist at the Iowa State University Extension.

Soil

Winter squash need well-draining soil to flourish. It's a good idea to enrich the soil, too: "They are heavy feeders, so I add compost before planting to create a rich, nutrient-dense growing medium," adds Oglesby.

The soil pH should be 6.5 to 6.8, according to Handley.

Pest Prevention

"Squash bugs and squash vine borers are serious pests that are best controlled when caught early," says Steil.

Oglesby recommends using netting to prevent these harmful pests from infiltrating your winter squash crop. Natural insecticides will also work—just make sure they aren't harmful to bees!