Growing and Harvesting Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash
It is considered a winter squash. Given the chance winter squash will take over a garden (this includes pumpkins). The vines are very long and will grow to all parts of the garden. I usually direct the long vines to the perimeter of the garden so they encircle my garden space. Growing butternut squash was not on the top of my list during my early gardening years but once I decided to try growing it, it has been a regular in my garden.
Growing Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is easy to grow. The growing season begins in the summer for harvesting in the fall. The seedlings are extremely tender and the seedlings will freeze with the slightest frost. The seeds will germinate only in warm soil (60-65 F) and are heavy feeders. The soil is to be kept moist and in about 10 days after planting the seeds will sprout.
Winter squashes like it hot. They are big plants with big fruit (they are considered a fruit since they originate from a flower). The normal growing period is about 110-120 days for full maturity. The root system is shallow therefore, weeding is important through out the growing season. Weeds will suck the nutrients from the soil so cultivation should be done by hand or with a hoe. Do not cultivate too deeply as damage to the squash roots can occur.
How to Harvest Butternut Squash
There are a couple of indicators that signal that winter squashes are ready for harvest.
- The stems begin to shrivel and dry.
- The skin is hard enough that it is difficult to pierce with a thumbnail.
Butternut squash should be harvested before the first frost and if they are not they may rot too quickly if exposed to a frost.
When you are picking butternut squash, ripeness matters. A squash that is not ripe will be tough to slice
and if a spiralizer is used it will be difficult. A ripe squash is a dull orange color with shiny skin. If you use a spiralizer, choose a butternut squash with a long neck since that will be the part that yields the noodles.
Check out my favorite spiralizer here!
When cutting the squash from the vine a few inches of the stem should be left intact. The stem (as with 
pumpkins) prevents the squash from rotting.
Store inside right away. If they will be stored for a longer period of time they can cure after being cut from the vine.
Store in a cool dry place.
I have enjoyed butternut squash well into the winter, with my favorite being roasted with other root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
Quick Facts About Butternut Squash
- Butternut squash is harvested in the fall but will keep for several months.
- It is a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
- It has benefits for healthy skin and hair, digestive health, and heart health.
- One cup of butternut squash provides more potassium than the amount available in a banana.
- It is also a good source of vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate and manganese.
Below are healthy ways to prepare Butternut Squash.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:12]
Below are a few other roasted butternut squash recipes which are my favorite.
www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes/roasted-butternut-squash
www.thehealthyfoodie.com/oven-roasted-butternut-squash
“I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me. ” -Robert Breault
