How to grow... Squash

Rocket Growing Guides

Butternut Squash

Squash are very easy to grow and require hardly any effort. You just pop them in the ground and leave them to do their thing, giving them a good drink from time to time until they are ready for harvesting.

  • Planting Tips
  • Growing advice
  • Chef's Corner
Choosing a site for growing veg

The right site

Full sun and plenty of space is important. Squash are hungry plants so make sure you dig in plenty of organic fertiliser when you plant them.

growing veg in pots and raised beds

Can be grown in....

These grow well outside, so if you have the space then go for a raised bed or similar, but they will grow well in pots too.

Autumn Winter Large Vegetable Garden

How far apart?

1.5 metres apart

When your plants arrive....

Your baby plants will arrive carefully packed in straw. They may look a little tired from their travels. This is quite normal but, as soon as possible, carefully unpack them all.

Each type of plant will have an identification label to help you spot which they are. Lay them out into their respective plant types (e.g. lettuce, cauliflower, peas). Then, stand them upright, being especially careful with the ones that aren’t in bio pots. The roots may be dry, so give them all a good drink of water by submerging the roots for a few minutes in a container of clean water.

Now you are ready to plant your Rocket Garden. Try to do this within 24 hours of the arrival of your plants.

Looking after your plants....

Plant them outside when the risk of frost has passed and the weather has warmed up. Until then, keep them in pots under cover.

Butternut Squash

Give them some food

Dig in plenty of organic fertiliser and water thoroughly when you plant them.

Butternut Squash

Water regularly

Water them often and well.

Watch out for....

  • Mildew on the leaves

They're ready to harvest when....

You can easily tell when your squash is ready to be harvested by their size. Be sure to cut them off carefully with a knife, cutting as close to the squash as possible at the stem.

Storage Tips

Best eaten within a few days of harvesting, but they will store for a few weeks in a cool, dark place.

Ways to cook

Butternut squash is great for creamy risottos, and lovely roasted for soups as well.

Recipe Ideas

Coming soon!

Types to try