Thinking about planting squash this season?
Hold off just a moment—because while squash is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong without a little planning.
From variety selection to pest control, there are a few things that experienced gardeners have learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
Here are 8 essential tips that will set your squash garden up for success this season.
1. Choose the Right Variety—Strategically
Not all squash is created equal. Some are bred for flavor, others for disease resistance, and many for regional adaptation.
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Early-season planting? Go ahead and experiment with fun, heirloom, or novelty types.
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Mid-to-late season? Stick to hybrid varieties with proven resistance to mildew, vine borers, and other common problems.
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And most importantly: grow what you enjoy eating—because squash is prolific. You'll likely end up with more than you expect.
2. The Earlier, the Better
If you’re in a region with hot, humid summers, early planting gives you a huge advantage.
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Squash grows best before peak pest and disease pressure sets in.
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Don’t wait too long for that "perfect" planting window—get your seeds or transplants in the ground as soon as the risk of frost is gone.
3. Give Your Plants Room to Grow
One common mistake? Overcrowding.
Squash plants are vigorous growers. A single plant can easily take up 25 square feet when mature.
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Space your rows 5–6 feet apart.
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Keep plants 3–4 feet apart within the row.
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Proper spacing improves airflow and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
4. No Pollination, No Fruit
Squash plants have both male and female flowers, and they depend on pollinators to produce fruit.
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Attract bees by planting flowering herbs and native blooms nearby.
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In low-pollinator environments (like urban or indoor gardens), hand pollination can save the crop.
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Some varieties are parthenocarpic, meaning they can produce fruit without pollination—great for challenging conditions.
5. Be Prepared for Squash Vine Borers
These destructive pests can ruin your plants almost overnight.
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Traditional methods include stem wrapping, BT injections, or using row covers early in the season.
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One of the most practical solutions? Plant more than you need, then thin out later.
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Assume you’ll lose a few plants, and build that margin into your plan.
6. Keep the Leaves Dry
Fungal diseases love moisture—especially on big, broad squash leaves.
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Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
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Avoid overhead watering, especially in the evening.
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Water deeply and infrequently at the base of the plant.
7. Harvest Early and Often
Squash grows fast. Like… really fast.
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Check plants every 1–2 days during peak production.
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Small, tender squash are more flavorful—and keep your plants producing.
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Oversized fruits quickly become seedy and tough (or compost fodder).
8. Fertilize Frequently—But Gently
Squash are heavy feeders, but don’t go overboard all at once.
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Use a low-dose, balanced fertilizer every 7–10 days.
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Frequent feeding promotes strong vines, healthy foliage, and steady fruiting.
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Watch for pale leaves or slow growth—both can signal nutrient deficiencies.
Final Thoughts
Squash may look like a low-maintenance crop, but getting it right takes a little upfront strategy.
The good news? With just a bit of planning—choosing the right varieties, planting early, spacing correctly, and managing pests—you’ll be well on your way to a high-yield, low-stress squash harvest.
Got your own squash-growing hacks or favorite varieties? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you grow your best crop.
