Winter squash should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week during the growing season. This is especially true during the hottest weeks of the summer. Make sure to check the soil before watering. The soil should feel dry an inch (2.5 cm) below the surface before watering again. During the summer, the squash should be watered with 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water each week. In the autumn, the plant should receive less water, about an inch (2.5 cm) every 10 to 14 days.

Winter squash (Cucurbita moschata) prefers full sun for optimal growth. It requires 8 to 10 hours of sun each day for optimal health, but can tolerate a few hours less. It is generally best to provide the winter squash with full sun during the morning and then afternoon shade after midday. This ensures the winter squash will get the sunlight it needs without burning, since midday sun can be too intense for some plants.

Winter squash (Cucurbita moschata) should be pruned back when the vines are about 3-4 feet long. They should be pruned back to about 2-3 feet. Pruning when the vines have reached their maximum length will help keep them from sprawling and making the plant top-heavy. Pruning should be done in early summer and again late in the season when it is time to harvest your winter squash. Once harvested, the entire vine should be cut back to 6” to help prevent disease and ensure the health of the plant.

Long season trailing squash with hard skins and good storage.

Winter squash (butternut etc.)

Winter squash (butternut etc.)

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The winter squash (butternut etc.) year in your garden

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