How to Plant Acorn Squash

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Planting Instructions for Acorn Squash:

  1. Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Acorn squash needs full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day).
  2. Soil Prep: Prepare fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8.
  3. Planting Time: Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
  4. Spacing: Sow seeds in hills or rows.
    • Hills: Plant 4–5 seeds per hill, spaced 3–4 feet apart. Thin to the best 2–3 plants per hill.
    • Rows: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing 18–24 inches apart in rows 3–6 feet apart.
  5. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather.
  6. Support: While not required, acorn squash can be grown on sturdy trellises to save space and improve air circulation.
  7. Pollination: Bees are essential for pollination. Avoid using pesticides that can harm pollinators.
  8. Harvesting: Harvest when the skin is tough and dark green, usually 75–100 days after planting. Use pruning shears to cut fruit from the vine, leaving a 1–2 inch stem. Cure in a warm, dry place for 7–10 days before storage.
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