Planting Squash

When planting, vining types of squash require at least fifty to one hundred square feet of space per hill. Plant the squash seeds one inch deep with four or five seeds per hill. Allow 5 to 6 feet of room between hills. Squash seeds will take six to eight days to germinate when the soil temperature is between seventy and eighty degrees. When the young plants are well-established, thin each hill to the best two or three plants. Allow 7 to 12 feet between rows. Plant semi vining squash varieties as vining varieties, but thin to the best two plants per hill and eight feet between each rows. Plant bush varieties of squash as vining and semi vining varieties thinning to a single plant every three feet with five feet between each row.

Before placing each seed be sure to mix in a heavy helping of compost or manure. Check the soil pH. Ideally a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is preferred. Amend soil pH as necessary. Water the newly planted squash seed regularly until the plants are established. Do no allow the soil to dry out and crack. Mulch as needed once the plants are established.

Squash Companion Planting

Traditionally squash is planting with corn and beans on each hill. The corn grows upwards providing support for the beans and shade for the squash plants. The beans fix the soil providing nitrogen for the squash and corn, and the thick growth of squash plants controls weeds around the companion plats. Additionally planting marigolds nearby will help to repel pest insects.