Soil
Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Cannot tolerate frost.
Feeding
Drench plants with a liquid fertilizer when they begin to blossom and set fruits.
Companions
Corn, Borage, Oregano, Marigold, Beans, Nasturtium and Lemon Balm.
Spacing
Single Plants: 2′ 11″ (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2′ 11″ (90cm) with 2′ 11″ (90cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in late spring or early summer, either in rows or hills. Also may be started from seedlings started indoors or purchased at stores.
Notes
Some types grow to be large, long-vined plants, while others grow into compact bushes. Grow at the edge of your garden to save space.
Harvesting
Harvest winter squash when they plants begin to die back and the rinds cannot easily be pierced with your fingernail. Wipe clean, and store indoors at cool room temperatures.
Troubleshooting
Squash bugs and squash vine borers can be serious pests. Exclude them from young plantings with row covers. Butternuts naturally resist these pests.
