Growing Squash on an Allotment

“Squash” covers a wide family of plants that are vigorous, high-yielding and space-filling. With good soil, steady watering and regular feeding, a few plants can provide a huge harvest from summer through winter. Success comes from warm starts, generous spacing, moisture, and feeding.

This guide covers how to grow squash from seed and plug plants, when to plant, spacing, watering and feeding, pests and diseases, container vs ground growing, and proven ways to improve yields.

🌱 1. Types of Squash

🥒 Summer Squash (Courgettes, Patty Pan)

• Harvested young

• Fast-growing

• Crop continuously in summer

🎃 Winter Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Crown Prince)

• Harvested mature

• Slower growing

• Stored through winter

(Growing methods are similar; spacing and harvest timing differ.)

🌰 2. Ways to Grow Squash

From Seed (Most Common)

Pros

• Cheap and reliable

• Strong root systems

• Wide variety choice

Cons

• Needs warmth to germinate

Plug Plants

Young squash plants grown in modules.

Pros

• Faster establishment

• Good in cooler springs

• Less early pest damage

Cons

• More expensive

• Limited varieties

👉 Both methods work well — warmth and space matter most.

🗓️ 3. When to Sow & Plant Squash

From Seed

• Sow indoors: April–May

• Sow outdoors: Late May–June (after frost risk)

Plug Plants

• Plant out: Late May–June

Squash is frost-tender — never plant out too early.

🌾 4. How to Grow Squash in the Ground

Soil & Position

• Very fertile soil

• Sunny, sheltered site

• Plenty of compost or manure added before planting

Squash thrives on rich, moisture-retentive soil.

Spacing (Critical)

• Bush/summer squash: 75–90cm

• Trailing/winter squash: 1.2–1.5m

Crowding causes:

• poor airflow

• disease

• lower yields

Planting Tips

• Plant on small mounds to improve drainage

• Water in well

• Mulch heavily once established

🪴 5. Growing Squash in Containers

Squash can be grown in containers with enough space.

Container Guidelines

• Minimum size: 40–50 litres per plant

• One plant per container

• Rich compost with good drainage

Container-grown squash:

• needs frequent watering

• benefits from regular feeding

• produces slightly smaller yields

💧 6. Watering Squash (Very Important)

Squash has large leaves and high water demand.

Best Practice

• Water deeply and regularly

• Focus on flowering and fruiting stages

• Water soil, not leaves

Dry stress causes:

• flowers dropping

• bitter fruit

• poor fruit set

🌿 7. Feeding Squash

Squash is a heavy feeder.

Feeding Schedule

• Compost or manure before planting

• Start feeding once flowers appear

• Use high-potash feed every 7–10 days

Well-fed plants = more and bigger fruit.

🐛 8. Common Pests & Diseases

Slugs & Snails

• Attack young plants

Control

• Protect early

• Clear hiding places

Aphids

• Cluster on new growth

Wash off early or pinch out tips.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms

• White powder on leaves

Prevention

• Good spacing

• Regular watering

• Remove worst leaves

Poor Pollination

• Flowers drop, no fruit

Encourage pollinators or hand-pollinate if needed.

✂️ 9. Harvesting Squash

Summer Squash

• Harvest young and often

• Pick every 2–3 days

Winter Squash

• Leave to fully mature

• Harvest before first frost

• Cure in sun before storing

Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

🌾 10. Improving Squash Yields

• Feed regularly

• Keep soil moist

• Harvest frequently

• Encourage pollinators

• Remove excess leaves if airflow is poor

Squash rewards attention and consistency.

⚡ Quick Squash Growing Tips

• Warm soil = faster growth

• Mulch to retain moisture

• Harvest courgettes small

• Don’t overcrowd

• One plant can feed a family

🧠 Key Squash Principles

• Space and feeding drive yields

• Water consistency prevents bitterness

• Harvesting boosts production

• Rich soil is essential

Photo by Tania Malréchauffé on Unsplash