How to Grow Spaghetti Squash

My Garden Life
April 24, 2019
Table of Contents

Spaghetti squash may not be as well-known as other members of the winter squash family, like butternut and acorn squashes, but it should be. It’s easy to grow, attractive in the garden, and a delicious and unusual treat for the table. Here’s how you can incorporate spaghetti squash into your garden and menu planning this year.

Location and Soil Needs

  • Plant in a sunny bed with good drainage and high-quality organic compost incorporated in the soil.
  • Wait to plant until well after the last frost date, when the soil is warm. Winter squash seeds will not germinate if the air or soil is chilled.
  • Give the plants room to trail on all sides, as they are vigorous growers once established.

Growing from Seed

Direct Sow (recommended method) – Place two to four seeds in mounds eight feet (2.4 meters) apart.

Start Indoors – Sow seeds in three-inch (eight centimeters) or larger diameter pots, two to three seeds per pot. Keep under a grow light or in a warm window and, once the plants have reached the height of about an inch (three centimeters), cut away at the base of the stem all but the heartiest shoot. Now you can transplant the seedlings into your garden following the steps below.

Transplanting Seedlings

Place transplants out in mounds, two to a mound, spaced eight feet (2.4 meters) apart. Take special care when putting the plants in the ground as squash roots are easily damaged by handling.

Plant Care

Spaghetti squash needs the same amount of water as most vegetables, that is, one inch (three centimeters) a week, delivered if possible, through a slow morning soak. No special fertilizing is needed. If your plant begins to send vines into garden paths or other places you don’t want them, gently place the offending shoots out of harm’s way. Try to avoid bruising the vines as that leaves them susceptible to diseases and pests.

Harvesting

Spaghetti squash is ready to harvest in around 90 days. The yellow fruits will grow to around nine inches (23 centimeters), lose their luster, harden, and their stems will dry. Cut the stems about an inch (three centimeters) above the fruit and leave them on for better storage. Harvest all your squash before the first frost.

Use

Spaghetti squash makes a great low-carb option to pasta. Roast or boil the flesh then pull it into strands with a fork. Add sauce on top or toss with sautéed vegetables – anything you can do with spaghetti, you can do with spaghetti squash, and without the high carb count.

Making Spaghetti from Spaghetti Squash

Storage

Spaghetti squash will save for three to six months in a cool, dark place. For shorter periods (up to two months), it can sit at room temperature as part of a festive fall decorative display.

Easy to grow and fun to eat, spaghetti squash is a gardener’s dream. Make sure you add this late season favorite to your vegetable plot this year.

Do you have a favorite way to eat spaghetti squash? Share it in the comments below!


Squash in a Basket

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Common Squash Diseases and Pests

Common Squash Diseases and Pests

Learn to recognize squash diseases and squash pests and how to prevent them from doing damage to your plants and produce.
Seed Exchanges – How to Find or Organize a Seed Swap

Seed Exchanges – How to Find or Organize a Seed Swap

Celebrate National Seed Swap Day at a seed exchange or better yet organize your own seed swap. Discover how to share seeds and dreams of spring!
How to Tell the Difference Between a Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Cactus

How to Tell the Difference Between a Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Cactus

Learn how to tell the difference between a Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter Cactus. Three very similar plants that are grown and sold for holiday décor and gifting.

Related Posts

Plant a Salsa Garden

Plant a Salsa Garden

Plant and Garden Trends for 2021

Plant and Garden Trends for 2021

Finding Perfect Companion Plants

Finding Perfect Companion Plants

frost map with dates

Frost Map with Dates

USDA zone finder with zip code search and maps

USDA Zone Finder

plant library

Plant Library

Save plants to your personal library

Join My Garden Club to access more features

Already a member?
Log in now

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share this post with your friends!