If you are a beginner in gardening or just looking for a plant that is simple to grow and maintain, then butternut squash is an excellent choice for you. This variation of squash possesses a sweet and distinct flavor and can be utilized for different squash recipes. It can be eaten without cooking.

STEPS IN GROWING BUTTERNUT SQUASH

You need to place your seeds in the soil with a warm temperature and a lot of area to grow. Because this type of squash is a delicate variety, you need to plant the seeds after you are 100% sure that the temperature is warm enough and in case of countries that have winter season, the risk of frost has subsided.

You can also place seeds in pots that have a lot of peat and place it in the ground when the cold spell has passed. Butternut seedling should be planted about 陆-one inch deep in the ground and the seedlings should be four inches apart. You also need to water it regularly. The seedlings need water after planting and then every 2 to 3 days until it germinates. But do not put a lot of water in the ground since this variety of squash grows in a soil that is only moderately wet.

Squash thrives well in a nutrient rich soil, so you need to place fertilizers in the soil regularly so that your plants will grow well. Some squash experts stated that it is advisable to initially place a minimum amount of fertilizer in the soil before planting your seedlings and then continue placing fertilizer on a daily basis afterwards.

After your squash plants are already four inches long, cut the hills to 3 squash plants per hill. Because the variety of this squash will grow eight to ten inches long, the butternut squash will need a lot of area to grow especially after they have produce vines.

Remember to take some necessary steps to shield your plants from harm. All squash varieties are susceptible to pests and this variety is no exception. There a numerous pesticides available in the market like organic pesticides that will help protect your seedlings. It is recommended to apply the pesticide during evening to avoid affecting bees because you need them to pollinate your butternut squash seedlings.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

You will know that your plants are ready for harvest after the rind of the vegetable has hardened and the stem is two inches long. If you harvest it before it is fully mature it will lose its sweet flavor. Aside from that, if you pluck the stem while it is still not long enough, it will not keep for a long time.

You also need to harvest your squash before the temperature falls because there is a possibility that a lower temperature will damage your plants. Squash seedlings will germinate for about 2 weeks and you can harvest if after eighty to ninety-five days.