How to Grow Butternut Squash
Planning the Site for Growing Butternut Squash
Butternut squash vines are big plants and tend to spread out in a given area. Therefore, find a place commensurate to the number of plants you are planning to sow. Make sure you will be able to contain your plants lest you want them to spread all over your garden.
Preparing the Site for Growing Butternut Squash
Before planting the squash, mulch the soil properly to incorporate enough air. Mix in well-rotted manure and general fertilizers for added nutrients necessary for plant growth. Do this for quite some time before you sow your seeds so you can add fertilizers weekly to your soil long before you start planting. After you have planted your squash, they have little need for more fertilizers.
Required Materials for Growing Butternut Squash
Individual pots are needed to germinate seedlings before transplanting them to your garden. Well-rotted manure and general purpose fertilizers as well as standard gardening tools are also required.
Watering Requirements of Butternut Squash
The butternut squash is a thirsty plant. It requires lots of water to thrive. This is because their leaves have a large surface area and tend to lose moisture quickly. You may want to develop an irrigation system for your plants or just make sure they are watered frequently. However, they require lesser watering than pumpkins do (Tips on how to grow pumpkins).
Nutrients Required by Butternut Squash
Butternut squash needs nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, among other trace elements and vitamins.
Seasons Apt for Growing Butternut Squash
The optimum time for butternut squash growth is early into the hot months. This is to ensure that they are given enough time to ripen before the cold settles.
Expectations/Results
If the butternut squash is grown properly, you can expect to be harvesting an average of 25 or more fruits per vine depending on the variety. These fruits could be made into items pies, soups, purees and barbecues.