- 1). Water squash once or twice weekly as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plants until the top 6 inches of soil feels moist. Butternut squash may require more frequent fertilization during the hot, dry days of summer.
- 2). Weed the bed regularly throughout the growing season. Pull larger weeds by hand. Prevent new weeds from rooting by cultivating the top 1 to 2 inches of soil with a hoe.
- 3). Spread a 2-inch layer of straw mulch over the squash plants once they are 6 to 8 inches tall. The mulch helps retain soil moisture and prevents weeds, while also keeping the developing fruits off the soil where they are more prone to rot.
- 4). Fertilize butternut squash three weeks and again at six weeks after planting them in the garden bed. Apply 1 lb. of 5-10-10 analysis fertilizer per every 100 square feet of squash bed. Work the fertilizer into the soil between plants so it doesn't come in direct contact with the roots, stems or vines.
- 5). Harvest butternut squash when the skin has turned color evenly, usually to beige or light orange. Ripe squash has a hard rind with no soft spots.
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