Butternut Squash Plant Starter

Butternut Squash Planting Guide

When to Plant:

• Outdoors: After the last frost when soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C)

• Indoors: Start seeds 3-4 weeks before the last frost, then transplant when temperatures warm up

How to Plant:

• Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with pH 6.0-7.5

• Spacing:

  • Plant seeds 1 inch deep

  • Rows: Space plants 3-4 feet apart, with rows 4-6 feet apart

  • Hills: If planting in mounds, plant 3 seeds per hill, spaced 4-6 feet apart

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily)

Watering & Care:

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy (about 1-2 inches of water per week)

• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds

• Fertilize with a balanced or compost-rich fertilizer

• Provide trellising if space is limited, though butternut squash naturally sprawls

Harvesting:

• Ready in 85-110 days

• Harvest when the skin is tan and hard, and the stem starts to dry out

• Cure in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days to improve flavor and storage life