Squash
Can squash be sown under cover?
To grow squash under cover, it's important to sow the seeds in individual pots filled with light, well-drained potting soil. Squash need warmth to germinate, so it's advisable to sow under cover in early spring, around March-April.
Be sure to maintain a constant temperature of around 20°C and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once the plants have reached a few centimetres in height, they can be transplanted into the open ground when there is no risk of frost.
Be careful not to sow too early, as squash are sensitive to the cold and can die if exposed to temperatures that are too low. It's also important not to over-water to prevent root rot.
The best way to prevent root rot is to plant the squash early.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful squash throughout the summer and autumn, without having to resort to chemical fertilisers.
How to sow squash successfully outdoors?
Squash is a rewarding vegetable to grow outdoors. To sow squash seeds outdoors, it's best to wait until all risk of frost has passed, usually from May onwards. Prepare the soil by carefully weeding it and working it deeply with a fork to make it loose.
Create holes about 2 to 3 cm deep and place one pumpkin seed per hole. Cover them with soil and pack lightly. Make sure you leave enough space between each hole (around 1.5 metres) as the squash needs room to develop fully.
After sowing, keep the soil moist by watering regularly but lightly. Be careful not to overwater to prevent the seeds from rotting. Full sun exposure is ideal for promoting the growth of squash plants.
Watch out for the appearance of diseases and pests, and take natural action to control them. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy a fine crop of tasty squash in autumn.
How do I plant squash?
To plant squash, choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost to improve its fertility. Squashes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sow squash seeds when the risk of frost has passed, usually towards the end of spring. Sow the seeds directly in the ground to a depth of around 2 to 3 cm. Space the plants about 1 to 2 metres apart to allow for good growth.
If you choose to transplant squash plants, do so carefully, taking care not to damage the roots. Water abundantly after planting to encourage rooting.
Please take care not to damage the roots.
Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy throughout the plant's growth. You can mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and limit weed growth.
Maintain the soil regularly.
Monitor squash plants regularly for any diseases or pests and act quickly if necessary to protect your crops.
How do I harvest squash?
To harvest squash, we recommend waiting until autumn when the fruit is ripe. To check this, simply tap the skin of the squash gently: if it sounds hollow, it's ready to be harvested. To cut it, use a sharp knife, leaving a stalk of about 5 cm attached to the fruit. Once harvested, squash can be stored for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place, at a temperature of between 10 and 15 degrees. It is important to check the squash regularly to prevent it from rotting. If it starts to soften or show signs of rot, it's best to eat it quickly. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy your squash all winter long without the need for chemical fertilisers.
Squash
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Fruiting vegetables
- Botanical Family : Cucurbits
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Annual
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Sensitive
- Cultivation Difficulty : Easy
- Adult Height : 50 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
- Sowing Depth : 2 cm
- Plant Spacing : 120 cm
- Row Spacing : 120 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : High
Seeds
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Sowing