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Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Winter Squash

Gardening Guide: Winning Winter Squash

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Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Winter Squash

By Norann Oleson

Spaghetti squash growing in the garden

Spaghetti squash growing in the garden

Winter squash like a full day of sun—at least six hours. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soil is best. Some aged compost mixed in before you plant will provide a nutritious welcome for your winter squash.

In general, winter squash prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8, although you may see some varieties that will tolerate soil in a higher or lower range. One of your annual gardening tasks should be to test your soil. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation, and your plants will thank you by growing instead of languishing. Your local extension center will have information on how to get your soil tested. For a little bit of preparation work, you can get a lot of information about the composition of your soil.

Determine the best variety of squash for you to grow by assessing your garden space and reviewing the time to harvest for different varieties. Make sure you have enough time between last frost in the spring, with the soil warmed to at least 70 degrees F, and your first frost in the fall.

Do you test your soil every year? Do you do the testing yourself or send it out to a lab? Please tell us your experience with preparing your garden for growing great winter squash!

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winter squash

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Types of Winter Squash
  • Growing Winter Squash from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Winter Squash
  • Planting Winter Squash in the Ground or in Raised Beds
  • Growing Winter Squash in Containers
  • Watering, Weeding, Fertilizing and Pollinating your Winter Squash Plants
  • Pruning and Supporting Winter Squash
  • Harvesting your Winter Squash
  • Storing and Preserving Your Winter Squash
  • Dealing with Winter Squash Diseases
  • Dealing with Winter Squash Pests
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Winter Squash
  • Plant Profiles

  • Sunshine Squash (C. maxima)
  • Burgess Buttercup Squash (C. maxima)
  • Autumn Frost Hybrid Squash (C. moschata)
  • Waltham Butternut Squash (C. moschata)
  • Acorn Table Queen Squash (C. pepo)
  • Goldetti Spaghetti Squash (C. pepo)
  • Recipes

  • Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash
  • Winter Squash Bread
  • Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
  • Roasted Winter Squash Seeds
  • Winter Squash Blossom Soup
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Winter Squash
  • Health Benefits and Home Remedies of Winter Squash
  • Resources about Winter Squash
  • Winter Squash Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • The Sweetest Winter Squash: From Acorn to Sunshine

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