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Squash Seeds
Squash - Summer
Squash - Winter
Southern Grove Squash
Squash Plants for Sale From Gurney's
Squash has a long history in American gardens--and in the Gurney's gardens as well. Nutritious and delicious, squash is easy to grow, quick to germinate and can provide fruits to eat in the summer, fall and winter. At Gurney's, we grow many varieties of summer and winter squash in our trial gardens and select the best in taste and garden performance. Our squash seeds for sale are varieties we've tried and deemed the best.
Choosing the Right Squash Seed
When buying squash seed, first decide if you want to grow summer squash, winter squash or both. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, has tender skins and is excellent steamed, grilled or sautéed. Winter squash, like butternut and acorn squash, often stores well for months and is excellent baked, in soups and other recipes. Growing both summer and winter squash can give you a supply of squash for months.
Next, consider your garden location. Squash are sun-loving vine crops and can take up a lot of space. If space is limited, consider a bush-type variety that doesn't take up as much room.
Other factors to consider when buying squash seed are appearance, days to maturity, yields, disease resistance and flavor.
A Guide for Growing Squash
Squash is a warm-weather crop that grows best in full sun and germinates best when the soil is warm. When planting squash, take into account how much space a mature squash plant requires.
When to Plant Squash Seeds?
Squash seeds can be directly sown into the garden once the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees. While it can be started indoors, most gardeners directly sow squash seed because it's quick to germinate and to grow.
How to Plant Squash Seeds?
Squash seed is usually planted in hills. Space the hills about 5-6 feet apart. Plan for about three to four plants per hill. When sowing squash seeds, sow 1/2 inch deep and about 8-12 inches apart. After sowing, water thoroughly. If growing bush-type squash, follow the seed packet's instructions for spacing. If transplanting squash seedlings to the garden, wait until all danger of frost has passed.
Squash plants can also be grown in large pots. Usually pots that are about 10 gallons with good drainage are best.
How to Grow Squash?
Squash benefit from regular watering. If rainfall is inadequate, water thoroughly about once a week. Avoid overhead watering. Mulching around the plants can suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. When controlling weeds, cultivate shallowly to avoid disturbing the roots. Monitor the plants for signs of insect problems or disease. Avoid handling the squash leaves when the plants are wet, as this can spread disease.
How to Harvest Squash?
Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, is most tender at the baby stage (2-5 inches) and is ideal at the mature stage, or 6-8 inches long. When it grows larger than this, squash tends to lose its tenderness and flavor. Winter squash, like vegetable spaghetti, acorn and butternut, are ready to harvest when the rind hardens. Harvest squash when the leaves are dry.
