Butternut squash is a vine plant that has a very rich nutty and sweet taste. When ripe its skin turns orange and its flesh becomes even sweeter. The cultivation of butternut squash is very easy comparing to other plants from squash family.

When planting butternut squash in your garden, keep in mind that this plant requires a significantly large area to grow. Butternut squash will thrive the best in a nutrient rich and moderately wet soil. Also it requires warm soil, so before planting make sure the soil is warm enough not to freeze seeds or seedlings. Work on the soil well, allow the soil to get enough of air and add plenty of manure 3 weeks prior to planting.

If you live in a moderate area with cold winters, you might consider to star with seeds indoors and then transplant seedlings outdoors, when the soil is warm enough. It is recommended to plant seedlings in individual peat pots. Seedlings should be transplanted at least ½ to 1 inch deep in the soil and they should be spaced at least 4 inches apart. If you live in a warm climate, then you can sow 3 seeds at the time directly into the ground at least 4 inches apart. The most common method for growing butternut squash consists in planting them into hills.

Regular watering is required especially during the first growing phase until the squash plants germinate. But be careful and do not over water them as they do not do well in a very wet soil. Since butternut squash needs a lot of nutrients, regular fertilization is required. You should fertilize the soil before planting the seeds or seedlings and then keep on feeding them every day. Butternut squash, like any other variety of squash, is quite susceptible to pests so make sure to apply a pesticide when necessary.

It usually takes butternut squash around 80 to 100 days to reach maturity. It is mature and ready to be harvested when the rind has hardened and the stem is around 2 inches long. Do not try to pull the stem off if it’s not long enough as it will not last for a long time. Also make sure to harvest butternut squash before the first fall frost as the cold can damage the plants.

One vine can produce up to 25 fruits depending on the butternut squash variety. The butternut squash should be stored in a cool and dry place with proper air circulation. If stored properly, the fruit can last throughout the whole winter. The use of butternut squash is quite wide, it can be eaten alone or made into the purees, soups, desserts and even barbecues.