Squash are arguably the hardiest members of the cucurbit family. Many gardeners love them because they are rewarding, easy to grow, and low-maintenance, plus they provide the home garden with a range of shapes, colors, and textures. You may be wondering, ‘when to plant squash in Oregon?’
However, for the best results, you need to plant them at the right time – proper timing is key to getting the most out of your garden.
If you are considering growing squash in Oregon, there are a few things you need to understand about this versatile and delicious vegetable. First off, squash are divided into summer and winter varieties.
While either variety grows quickly and offers a huge payback, you need to know when is the best time to plant for respectable results. This article will cover when to plant squash in Oregon and some of the varieties to consider.
When to plant squash in Oregon?
Both summer and winter squash are warm-weather plants, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and consistent moisture to grow best. When it comes to growing them, whether from seeds or seedlings, they should be planted outside when the soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
In Oregon, the best time of the year to plant squash is from early May through June, depending on the variety you are growing. Summer squash varieties grow pretty quickly, maturing in about 60 days.
They tend to be prolific producers and yield tender fruits that are harvested throughout the summer while still young. On the other hand, winter squash grows relatively slowly, with most varieties taking 80 to 120 days to mature. The fruits have thicker skin than summer squash, which helps them last longer in storage.
As is planting in any other state, the best time to plant squash in Oregon will depend on the first and last frost dates of the USDA planting zone you live in.
Oregon spans USDA plant hardiness zones 4b to 9b, where a majority of the western side sees a temperate oceanic climate and the easter region experiences a cool arid climate.
The amount of rainfall and precipitation varies widely, depending on planting zones. Typically, eastern parts see drier weather and hotter summers than western Oregon, where summers are relatively cool.
To know when exactly to plant squash in your garden, keep an eye on local weather in spring, and plant your squash when the soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. (the minimum soil temperature required for germination).
Planting squash
Squash prefer fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To prepare the soil for optimal growth, mix a moderate amount of compost or decomposed manure and balanced fertilizer into 8 to 12 inches of topsoil before planting.
Squashes are minimal feeders, so moderately rich soil will provide the required nutrients.
You can start squash indoors about a month before the expected last frost date. If you opt for this route, keep in mind that squash transplants do not like root disturbance. For this reason, it is best to start seeds in pots that can be planted directly into the ground.
Whether you are planting seeds or starts, plant pairs in hills or raised beds 3-5 feet apart. If you directly sow seeds, don’t water them after planting because this can significantly lower the soil temperature and cause rotting or impede germination.
Typically, you want to start watering squash plants after they have developed their first true leaves.
When it comes to watering, you need to water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. As you squash plants grow, pay close attention to them to spot and control powdery mildew and pesky squash bugs.
Types of squash to grow
Both summer and winter squash are healthy foods rich in antioxidant carotenoids and other essential nutrients. Here are some varieties to consider for your Oregon garden:
- Acorn squash
- Spaghetti squash
- Sunshine kabocha squash
- Butternut squash
- Eight Ball squash
- Bossa Nova squash
- Sunburst squash
- Peter pan squash
Many of these varieties perfectly complement each other to add texture to your garden.
Depending on what varieties you grow in your garden, start harvesting summer squash when they are still young for optimum tenderness and encourage continuous production. Summer squash can be trained to produce all summer long.
When to plant squash in Oregon: Final thoughts
Winter squash should be harvested when fully mature. Check for solid exterior color or a hard rind to know when these varieties mature.
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