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Want to grow delicata squash?
It’s easier than you think!
Here are 8 simple tactics to help you get started.
With these tips, you’ll have a bountiful harvest in no time.
Let’s get planting!
Choose the Right Spot
First things first, find a sunny spot in your garden for your delicata squash. These plants love basking in the sun, so look for an area that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
Make sure the soil is well-draining too! Squash plants don’t like getting their roots constantly wet.
If your garden has heavy, clay-like soil, mix in some compost or sand to improve drainage.
Prep the Soil
Healthy soil means healthy plants! Enrich the area where you’ll plant your delicata squash with compost or well-rotted manure.
Squash plants are heavy feeders and appreciate extra nutrients. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
You can easily check this with a soil test kit from your local garden center. Adding some organic matter can also boost your soil’s fertility and structure.
Start Seeds Indoors
For an early start, you can sow delicata squash seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Use peat pots or seed trays filled with potting mix.
Plant the seeds about one inch deep and keep the soil moist. Once your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted outdoors, but only after the danger of frost has passed.
Transplant the Seedlings
When it’s time to move your seedlings outdoors, space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, being careful not to disturb the roots too much.
Plant them at the same depth they were growing indoors. Water them well to help settle the soil around their roots.
Water Regularly
Delicata squash plants love water, but they don’t like wet feet. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the weeds down.
Feed Your Plants
Once your delicata squash starts growing, give it a boost with a balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 ratio works well.
You can apply a slow-release fertilizer or give your plants a liquid feed every few weeks. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overfeeding, which can harm your plants.
Keep Pests Away
No one likes unwelcome guests, especially not your delicata squash! Watch out for squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
You can handpick them off your plants or use insecticidal soap if necessary. Covering your plants with row covers can also help keep pests at bay, especially when the plants are young and vulnerable.
Harvest at the Right Time
You’ll know your delicata squash is ready to harvest when the rind is firm and you can’t puncture it with your fingernail. Typically, this is about 80-100 days after planting.
Cut the squash from the vine, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Let them cure in a warm, sunny spot for a week or so to harden the rinds and enhance their sweet flavor.
Enjoy!