Growing squash from seeds is one of the easiest and most rewarding gardening projects for beginners. Squash vines produce an abundance of tasty fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked or preserved. With just a little planning, you can have a productive squash patch that provides food all season long. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about starting squash seeds successfully.
When to Start Squash Seeds
The timing of when to sow squash seeds depends on your planting zone and whether you are starting seeds indoors or direct sowing in the garden.
If Starting Indoors
Most gardeners start squash seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost. This gives seedlings a head start on growth so they are ready for transplanting once outdoor soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Check your local frost dates and count backwards from the date of the last expected frost.
For example, if your last frost date is May 15, you would start seeds indoors around April 15-22.
If Direct Sowing Outdoors
If sowing seeds directly in the garden, wait until 2-3 weeks after the last spring frost date. Soil temperatures must reach at least 60-65°F for proper squash seed germination. Planting too early in cold soils will cause seeds to rot before sprouting.
Using the example above with a May 15 last frost date, sow seeds around May 29 to June 5 Monitor soil temps with a thermometer to be sure
Choosing Squash Varieties to Grow
Summer and winter squash come in many shapes, sizes, and colors Consider available space, desired use, and personal preferences when selecting squash varieties.
Popular Summer Squash Types
- Zucchini – prolific producer, great for grilling and baking
- Yellow Crookneck – sweet, tender fruits on compact vines
- Patty Pan – cute scalloped discs, best harvested young
- Straightneck – smooth, slender fruits perfect for cooking
Recommended Winter Squash Varieties
- Acorn – small round fruits with sweet orange flesh
- Butternut – tan pear-shaped squash, ideal for baking
- Spaghetti – oblong fruits with tasty noodle-like flesh
- Kabocha – squat green squash with dense, nutty flesh
- Pumpkin – large, round fruits perfect for fall decorating
How to Start Squash Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors takes a little more effort but gives plants an early start on the growing season. Here’s how to do it:
Supplies needed:
- Seed starting mix
- Cell packs, pots, or trays
- Watering can, mister, or spray bottle
- Plastic dome or mini greenhouse (optional)
- Grow lights (optional)
Steps:
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Fill containers with seed starting mix up to 1 inch from the top. Pat down gently.
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Sow 2-3 seeds per cell or pot, 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Space cells/pots 2-3 inches apart.
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Water soil thoroughly until moist but not soggy.
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Optional: Cover trays with plastic domes to retain moisture.
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Place containers in warm (65-75°F), bright location. Near a sunny window is ideal.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not wet until seeds sprout in 5-10 days.
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Once sprouted, remove domes. Ensure seedlings receive 14-16 hours of light daily. Provide grow lights if needed.
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Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors.
How to Direct Sow Squash Outdoors
For a simpler approach, sow seeds directly into warm garden soil once the danger of frost has passed.
Supplies needed:
- Squash seeds
- Row covers (optional)
Steps:
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Prepare soil by loosening and mixing in compost or fertilizer if needed. Rake smooth.
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Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep in hills (groups of 4-6 seeds) every 3-4 feet. Space hills 4-6 feet apart.
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Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Consider using row covers for extra frost protection.
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Once sprouted, thin to 2-3 plants per hill.
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Water regularly, applying 1-2 inches per week. Use mulch to retain moisture.
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Side dress with balanced fertilizer once fruits start forming.
Caring for Squash Seedlings
Proper care once sprouted is key to growing stocky, healthy transplants and productive vines.
Indoors
- Provide 14-16 hours of bright light and temperatures of 65-75°F daily.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overhead watering.
- Fertilize weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer starting at 2 weeks old.
- Harden off for 7-10 days before transplanting.
Outdoors
- Thin overcrowded seedlings to improve air circulation and prevent disease.
- Water new seedlings daily until established. Soak soil 6-8 inches deep.
- Side dress hills with compost or fertilizer when plants begin vining.
- Use row covers or cloches to boost warmth and growth.
- Control weeds to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
Transplanting Squash Seedlings
When transplanting squash starts outdoors, focus on minimizing shock and providing ideal growing conditions right away.
Tips for transplanting success:
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting.
- Wait until soil is warm (at least 65°F) and air temps are mild (60-75°F).
- Space plants 18-36 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart.
- Dig holes the same depth as seedling root balls.
- Carefully remove from pots, handling by leaves rather than stems.
- Backfill holes gently but firmly to eliminate air pockets.
- Water transplants immediately with a starter fertilizer solution.
- Provide shade for 1-2 days while plants establish.
- Use row covers, if desired, to boost warmth and growth.
- Mulch once settled to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Squash seeds and seedlings are susceptible to a few issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
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Seeds fail to sprout – Planting too early in cool soil, sowing too deep, poor seed to soil contact, and inadequate moisture are probable causes. Resow when soils warm.
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Seedlings stunted or yellow – Insufficient light, irregular watering, and improper temperatures can lead to weak growth. Improve conditions.
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Seedlings damp off or rot – Fungal disease caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Allow soil to dry between waterings and space plants properly.
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Seedlings with chewed leaves – Insect pests like cucumber beetles, slugs, snails. Use row covers until plants are larger. Hand pick pests.
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Transplants wilting heavily – Roots disturbed during planting, inadequate watering, or planted in too much sun/heat. Carefully replant, water deeply, or provide shade.
With the right timing, soil preparation, and care, starting squash from seed can lead to an abundant harvest. Pay close attention to plants in those first few weeks and you’ll be rewarded with prolific vines and tasty fruits all season long.
When to Plant Squash Seeds
For a summer harvest, plant summer squash in the spring. For a fall harvest, plant it in the middle to late summer. Plant winter squash in either late spring or in the height of summer.
Where to Plant Squash Seeds
Plant your squash where they can receive full sun. Squash plants love to “eat,” so they need well-fertilized, rich soil that is well-drained. Fertilizing your squash as they grow will ensure a healthy, large harvest.
How to Grow Squash | Basic Tips for Incredible Success
FAQ
How do you germinate squash seeds quickly?
How to start squash seeds indoors?
Should you soak squash seeds before planting?
How do you start squash seeds indoors?
Before you begin, gather all the materials you’ll need for starting squash seeds indoors. This includes seed starting trays or pots, seed starting mix, and either grow lights or a sunny window for proper lighting. Next, fill your trays or pots with the seed starting mix. Follow the recommended depth on the seed packet for sowing the squash seeds.
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
Can you grow squash from seeds?
Let’s start with the basics… and determine how you will grow your squash seeds – indoors or outdoors. There are two options when it comes to growing squash from seeds: you can plant them straight into the garden and reduce the work, or you can start them indoors near a sunny window or in a greenhouse. Both come with their own benefits.
How do you start a squash plant?
Sow seed or set transplants in raised mounds at least 1 foot across. Place a generous amount of aged compost or aged manure into each planting hill before planting. For an extra early harvest, start seeds in peat pots indoors 3 weeks before the last frost for planting out after the last frost. Sow squash seeds 2 to 3 inches deep.
How do you start a squash seed in a container?
To prepare the seed starting mix, simply combine the ingredients in a large container and mix them thoroughly. The peat moss helps to retain moisture, while the vermiculite and perlite improve drainage and aeration. Now that you have your container and seed starting mix ready, it’s time to sow the squash seeds.
When should I plant squash seeds?
Sow squash seeds directly in the garden one week or more after the last frost in spring. For an earlier start, sow squash seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings to the garden 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost. The optimal planting soil temperature for squash is 60 to 85°F (16-29°C).