Now is a good time to sow Squash. Follow the sowing guide below.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalStart seeds indoors this week
- •Fill tray with compost
- •Sow seeds evenly
- •Cover lightly with soil
- •Water gently
- •Place in warm light spot
Watch Out For
Powdery mildew spreads across leaves in late summer
improve airflow and remove worst-affected foliage promptly to slow its spread
Slugs devastate young plants in wet conditions
protect with copper tape or grit and only plant out once plants are sturdy enough to recover
Fruit left sitting on damp soil will rot
raise developing fruits on a tile or piece of wood as they swell
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Squash in the UK
What is the difference between summer and winter squash?
Summer squash (courgettes, pattypan) are harvested young with soft skins and eaten fresh. Winter squash (butternut, acorn, crown prince) develop thick, hard skins and are cured for long-term storage. In the UK, growing season for winter squash is short — start early under glass.
How do I know when winter squash is ready to harvest?
Harvest winter squash when the skin cannot be dented with a fingernail, the stem has begun to dry and cork over, and the colour is fully developed. In the UK, harvest before the first hard frost — typically September to October.
Why is my squash not setting fruit?
Poor fruit set is usually caused by insufficient pollination. Hand-pollinate by using a paintbrush to transfer pollen from a male flower (no swelling behind petals) to a female flower (tiny squash behind petals). Do this on a warm morning for best results.
How do I store winter squash?
Cure harvested squash by leaving them in a warm, dry place (ideally 27–32°C) for 10–14 days to harden the skin. Then store in a cool, dry, frost-free space. Well-cured butternut squash can last 3–6 months; crown prince and Hubbard types even longer.
Member guides
There's more to growing Squash than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
