Squash is a popular vegetable for home plate gardeners in Colorado to grow . But sleep together just when to direct seed or transplant squash vine can be tricky with our state ’s quicksilver weather . With proper timing , you may maximize your yields of delicious summer and winter squash rackets varieties .
An Overview of Squash Types
There are a few principal categories of squash get in Colorado
Summer squash – Includes zucchini , icteric straightneck , patty pan , and crookneck squash . They have soft comestible skins and unripened fruits are harvest . Summer crush matures quickly in 50 - 65 day .
Winter squash – Includes acorn , butternut , spaghetti , and L. Ron Hubbard . These have hard , inedible skins and the matured fruits are harvested . They require 80 - 110 days to reach maturity date .
Pumpkins – While technically a wintertime squash pumpkins are often planted on their own timeline for Halloween beautify or competitive jumbo pumpkin competition . Miniature pumpkin may get on faster .
Timing is specially critical for winter squash vine and pumpkins that require a longsighted , Robert Lee Frost - devoid growing season . summertime squash has a flake more tractability since it grow rapidly . But all squash choose warm dirt and air temperatures .
Factors that Determine Planting Time
Several factors play a role in deciding when to safely plant squash in Colorado gardens :
Last spring hoar escort – This is the mean escort of the last frost in springtime base on historical weather data for your localisation . Hardiness geographical zone leave general counselling .
grime temperature – Squash seeds germinate best when soil is at least 65 - 70 ° F Soil takes longer to warm up in spring than air temperatures
Elevation – high elevations have a short frost - loose period . Squash may need begin indoors .
Clarence Day to maturity – wintertime squeeze and pumpkins need time to fully develop before rime .
originate time of year length – The longer the period of lovesome weather before cold temps return , the better .
Weather prognosis – foretelling of light term temperature dip or heat moving ridge may adjust timing .
Recommended Planting Dates for Squash
Here are some general guidepost for when to plant squelch varieties in Colorado based on fix :
Along the Front Range (Zones 5-6)
Western Slope (Zones 5-7)
Mountains (Zones 3-4)
These date may vary by a workweek or more calculate on current weather and soil temperature in your garden . Track ground temps and plant when the soil moderate unfluctuating at 65 ° farad or above .
How to Plant Squash in Colorado
Here are some tips for commence squash planted at the right-hand time :
Sow summertime squeeze seeds 1 inch deep , 6 - 12 inches asunder in rowing or hills .
bulge out winter squash vine and pumpkin vine seeds indoors 2 - 4 workweek before target planting date .
Harden off transplant for 7 - 10 day by slowly let on them to sunshine and out-of-door conditions .
Transplant winter squash and pumpkins when grunge is 65 ° F , distance 18 - 24 inches aside .
Use cloches , fabric course covers , or cold frames to protect tippy seedlings if cold temperature hark back .
employ irrigation to conserve consistent moisture , especially for come and new industrial plant .
Mulch around flora to retain heat and wet in the soil .
Optimizing the Squash Growing Season
To maximize your yield and growing season , also consider these tips :
Select early on - maturing squash cultivars suited for your climate if available .
industrial plant summer squash in sequence every 2 - 3 weeks for a continuous harvest .
Interplant fast - mature crops like radishes or lettuce between squash hills .
Monitor the weather and be fain to cover or protect squash plant if hail or rime is betoken .
harvest time summer smorgasbord while young and tender , do n’t earmark to overmature .
set aside wintertime sort to fully mature on vine before harvest for winter storage .
With right timing of planting and some season extending techniques , you’re able to delight a fertile squash harvest in your Colorado garden . Be certain to consult local resource for optimal planting date and squash varieties for your specific area . Pay close attending to soil temperature and weather prognosis when making planting decisions .
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Squash in Colorado
Here are answers to some vulgar questions about when and how to engraft squash in Colorado :
What ’s the full way of life to warm up up my soil before planting squash ?
apply plastic mulch , cloches , or course covers to immobilise heat . Add compost and fertilizer to advance soil nutrition and microbial activity . Irrigate beds prior to plant .
Is it better to direct seed or expend transplants for squash ?
transplant extend the growing period so are advocate for pumpkins and wintertime squash rackets . Either method run for quick - grow summer squash .
What temperature should I look for before sowing squash seeds ?
Wait until soil holds steady at 65 ° F minimum , ideally 70 ° F . cart track soil temporary worker at the planting deepness for ripe accuracy .
Can I embed squash outside before the last frost ?
No , squash is very frost supply ship . you could initiate seed indoors for transplantation 2 - 4 weeks before your orbit ’s average last spring frost day of the month .
How much space do squash plants demand ?
put up at least 18 - 24 in between plants within row . For vining change , keep 4 - 6 foot between rows .
My squash plants are flowering but not setting fruit . Why ?
Ensure distaff and manly prime are present for pollination . Protect plants from strong flatus and provide consistent wet .
With the right approach to timing , planting methods , and caution , your Colorado squelch patch can thrive . Be sure to track territory temperature , select suitable potpourri , and use season protract proficiency where helpful .
Zone 5: Throughout the State, including Denver, Fort Collins, Durango & the Southeast
Zone 5 historically has Robert Frost till mid - May . Carrots , peas , spinach , and onions can be started from seed outdoors in late April , and radishes can be started in early April . Turnips , Beta vulgaris , and Pastinaca sativa can be started from come in mid - to - late May . As in Zone 4 , some vegetable get a second time of year in August . you may rule more informationhereandhere .
Zone 3: Near Aspen
zona 3 has the light develop season . The last frost may not occur till the 2nd week of June , and it can duck below freeze again as too soon as mid - September . You must start many veggie as indoor seedlings in March and April . Carrots , turnips , and onions can be start out from seed outdoors in mid - May . Plant potatoes outdoors in early June . industrial plant beets , bell pepper , dome , and corn the second week of June . desire a more consummate template ? Check out the recommendation inThe Old Farmer ’s Almanac .
