Acorn squash stores well and is easy to grow.

Growing acorn squash is rewarding as it’s a nutritious and versatile addition to your garden. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for meals. The squash thrives in a variety of climates and stores well, providing a hearty vegetable long after harvest. To harvest, wait until the squash skin is hard and dark green with a slightly orange patch. This typically occurs around 80-100 days after planting. Cut the squash from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to prolong storage life.

Top Producing Varieties of Acorn Squash

• Table Queen: This is a popular green acorn squash with deep ridges and bright orange flesh. It’s known for its sweet, nutty flavor and is ready to harvest in about 80 days.
• Jersey Golden: A golden acorn squash with bright orange skin and pale yellow flesh. It has a tender texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Table Ace: This variety is ready to harvest in about 75 days and is known for its all-around good performance.
• Early Acorn Hybrid: A compact plant that’s great for container gardening and yields squash ready to harvest in about 75 days.
• Cream of the Crop: This smaller variety has buttery sweet and nutty flesh and is ready to harvest in about 80 days.
• Ebony: Features deep green, almost black skin with light orange flesh, ready to harvest in about 80 days.
• Festival Hybrid: Produces cream-colored squash with unique yellow-striped skin and green circles at the blossom end.
• White Acorn: A newer variety with white skin and pale yellow flesh, developed for its unique appearance and flavor.

These varieties are not only productive but also offer a range of flavors and textures to enjoy in your meals.

Soil Preparation

1. Choose the Right Spot: Select a sunny location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Soil Type: Acorn squash prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
3. Add Organic Matter: Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve its structure.
4. Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-15 inches to encourage strong root growth.
5. Create Mounds: Form small mounds or hills, about 6-8 inches high and 12 inches across. This helps with drainage and provides a warm environment for the seeds.

Growing Acorn Squash

1. Planting Seeds: Sow seeds directly into the prepared mounds after the last frost date. Plant 2-3 seeds per mound and thin to the strongest seedling.
2. Spacing: Space the mounds about 4-6 feet apart to give the plants ample room to grow.
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves.
4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer when the plants start to flower and again when the fruit starts to develop.
5. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Supporting Vines: If space is limited, consider trellising the vines to keep them off the ground and prevent disease.

With proper soil preparation and care, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of acorn squash in no time.

Cooking With Acorn Squash