Среди садоводов все чаще используется посадка культур под зиму. Так называется метод выращивания растений, при котором посадка семян производится осенью: в середине или конце. Семена культур проводят в грунте всю зиму, весной пускаются в рост. Метод рискованный, но обладает безусловным удобством и преимуществами. Об основных правилах подзимней посадки культур расскажу в этой статье.

Осенняя посадка растений обладает рядом рисков, связанных с вымерзанием и снижением процента всхожести семян. Происходит это по нескольким причинам:

1. некачественный посадочный материал, с истекшим сроком годности, или собранный с несоблюдением правил и сроков;
2. неправильно выбранный срок посадки под зиму: если пропустить комфортную температуру для посадки, растение не успеет укорениться до наступления заморозков.

Однако, список преимуществ посадки под зиму шире и убедительнее.

1. Взгляните на существующие риски снижения всхожести с другой стороны: отсеиваются в процессе морозной зимы образцы, не способные выдержать нагрузку. Те экземпляры, которые взойдут весной, будут обладать крепким иммунитетом и высокой устойчивостью к грибковым и бактериальным заболеваниям.
2. Укоренение растений и рост корневой системы начинаются еще осенью, весной культура не тратит время на эти этапы, а сразу же пускается в рост. Остальные этапы развития растений проходят тоже с опережением, урожай поспевает раньше посаженных весной культур.
3. Садоводами доказано положительное влияние подзимней посадки на восприимчивость к сорнякам. Культуры, прошедшие закалку морозами, не страдают от соседства с сорняками.
4. Посаженные осенью растения освободят полезное время садоводу по весне.

Подзимней посадке подвергается множество культур, в каждой части сада и огорода найдутся растения, способные перезимовать в грунте и пуститься в рост по весне.

• Посадка овощей под зиму. Наиболее распространенные овощные культуры, выдерживающие морозы под землей: чеснок, лук, морковь, редис и свекла. Часть садоводов сажают под зиму еще томаты и горчицу, известны эксперименты с картофелем и кукурузой, однако, такие пробы не настолько устойчивы по результату, как, например, чеснок или лук, дающие практически 100% всхожести.

Основной критерий выбора срока посадки культуры под зиму – климатические условия в конкретном регионе. В южных регионах сроки могут затянуться до календарной зимы, в северных – подзимняя посадка имеет весьма условное название и начинается еще в августе. Кроме того, выбор сроков зависит и от сажаемой культуры.

• Самые ранние из осенних посадок – зелень. В частности, посадкой щавеля займитесь уже в конце августа или начале сентября.
• В конце сентября, начале октября сажают средние культуры. К ним относятся многолетние и однолетние цветы, озимый чеснок и лук-севок.

• К концу октября приступайте к посадке свеклы, редиса и простой зелени: укроп с петрушкой тоже необходимо посадить до наступления ноября.
• Завершающий этап подзимней посадки – помидоры. Их посадку отложите до времен, когда на улице устойчиво холодная погода, на грани с минусовой, поскольку наличие оттепелей может спровоцировать появление всходов еще до начала зимы.

Помимо выбора срока, к правилам осенней посадки культур относится подготовка грунта, которая включает в себя обустройство высоких грядок, внесение удобрений и предварительную прополку грядок. Соблюдение этих несложных правил поможет успешно посадить и вырастить отобранные культуры в саду и огороде.

90000 Winter Sowing Seeds: A Quick-Start Guide 90001 90002 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 90003 90002 Winter sowing is fun and easy! In this quick-start guide, I cover everything from the benefits and when to begin, all the way through to maintenance and transplanting. Plus I’ll give you detailed step-by-step instructions to show you exactly how to winter sow your seeds.90003 90002 90007 90008 90009 90003 90002 If you enjoy growing seeds, then you definitely need to give winter sowing a try. It’s a really fun method to use, and has even been a game-changer for some gardeners. 90003 90002 With the winter sowing method, you put your seeds outside so they do not take up any space in the house. Plus, you do not have to buy any expensive equipment, or fuss over tender seedlings for months on end. 90003 90002 There are lots of other benefits too, which I will list out below (I’m getting a bit ahead of myself here).I will also tell you all the details you need to know in order to get started, and give you step-by-step instructions too. 90003 90002 90018 Here’s what you’ll find in this quick-start winter sowing guide … 90019 90003 90021 What Is Winter Sowing? 90022 90002 Winter sowing is a fun and easy way to start seeds outside during the winter. You plant your seeds in miniature greenhouses made from recycled plastic containers, and then put them outside in the snow and freezing cold. 90003 90002 Once the weather starts to warm up in the spring, the seeds will germinate at their own pace, just as in nature.Sounds cool, right? It gets better … 90003 90021 Benefits Of Winter Seed Sowing 90022 90002 For me, the biggest benefit of winter sowing is space. Since they go outside, they do not take up any space in the house. That is HUGE! 90003 90002 But there are lots of other BIG benefits of winter sowing too … 90003 90033 90034 You do not need to buy any special equipment or grow lights 90035 90034 There’s no need to sterilize seedling trays 90035 90034 There’s no risk of the seedlings damping off 90035 90034 Winter sown seedlings do not need to be hardened off, they are already growing outside 90035 90034 The seedlings are hardier, and more robust, which means they have a much higher survival rate 90035 90034 You can start planting your seeds much earlier 90035 90046 90021 When Can You Start? 90022 90002 One of the things I love the best about winter sowing is that there is no set schedule you need to worry about.You do not have to think about your last frost dates, or time your plantings to avoid leggy seedlings. 90003 90002 You can winter sow seeds outdoors at your own convenience, and whenever you have time. The only rule you need to follow is to wait until freezing temperatures are here to stay. Learn exactly when to begin here. 90003 90021 How To Winter Sow Seeds 90022 90002 Winter sowing is easy. There’s no fancy technique, or any complicated equipment setup required. You only need a few supplies to get started.90003 90002 But, there are are couple of things you need to understand before you begin. So, first let’s talk about the three main things you’ll need … soil, containers, and seeds. 90003 90059 The Best Soil To Use 90060 90002 The best type of soil to use is an all-purpose potting soil. I’ve also used a seed starting potting mix, which works just fine. But those can be a little bit more expensive. 90003 90002 Just make sure you buy a quality potting mix. Cheap dirt is too heavy, and could be full of weed seeds.Also, always use fresh, sterile potting soil, and never, use garden soil in any of your containers. Read about the best soil to use (and which ones to avoid) here. 90003 90065 90002 Filling a milk jug with soil 90003 90059 Choosing Containers 90060 90002 There are tons of different types of containers you can use to make your mini greenhouses for winter sowing. They can be made out of items you throw out every day. 90003 90002 Things like milk jugs, 2 liter bottles, restaurant / deli / bakery food storage, ice cream buckets … etc.The shape and size does not matter, but it must be made of transparent plastic. 90003 90002 It should also be deep enough to hold 3-4 inches of soil in the bottom, and tall enough to allow a few inches of headspace for the seedlings to grow. Read all about how to choose the best containers here. 90003 90059 Types Of Seeds To Plant 90060 90002 It’s important to use the correct types of seeds, because you can not just use anything. The best ones to use for winter sowing are cold hardy annuals, herbs and cold crop vegetables, or plants that are perennial in your zone.90003 90002 If you’re unsure, check the seed packets. Look for terms like «self-sowing», «direct sow outside in the fall», «direct sow outside in early spring» or «cold stratification». 90003 90002 Keywords like these are good indicators of seeds that will work well for winter sowing. Learn all about how to choose the best seeds to use here. 90003 90059 Step-By-Step Instructions 90060 90002 Before getting started, be sure to clean your containers. You can simply rinse them out if there’s no residue in them.Otherwise, if they’re dirty, then be sure to wash them first. Here’s how to clean your containers. 90003 90002 90018 Supplies Needed: 90019 90003 90092 90034 Containers 90035 90034 Scissors 90035 90034 Drill or old metal knife 90035 90034 Potting soil 90035 90034 Seeds 90035 90034 Heavy duty tape or duct tape 90035 90034 Plant tags (optional) 90035 90034 Pencil, permanent marker or paint pen 90035 90109 90002 90018 Step 1: Choose your containers — 90019 Raid your recycling bin to find the perfect mini greenhouses, or ask your family and friends to save them for you.90003 90002 It may take some time to build up a good selection, so be sure to start hunting for them a few weeks before you plan to begin winter sowing. 90003 90116 90002 Different types of containers to use for winter sowing 90003 90002 90018 Step 2: Prepare the mini greenhouses 90019 — If you’re using a tall, narrow container, like a 2 liter bottle or milk jug, first cut it in half using a pair of scissors. 90003 90002 Then poke holes in the bottom for drainage, and also in the top for ventilation.Use a drill to make the holes, or a hot knife to melt them into the plastic. Learn exactly how to prepare winter sowing containers here. 90003 90125 90002 Making drainage holes in milk jug greenhouse 90003 90002 90018 Step 3: Add the soil 90019 — Fill the bottom of your mini greenhouse with 3-4 inches of potting soil or a seedling mix. If the soil is really dry, you may want to wet it down a bit before planting the seeds. 90003 90002 90018 Step 4: Plant the seeds 90019 — The number of seeds you add to each container is up to you.But I prefer to space them out a bit to make it easier to transplant the seedlings later on. If they’re sown too thick, it will be difficult to separate the seedlings. 90003 90136 90002 Planting seeds in winter sowing containers 90003 90002 90018 Step 5: Label your winter sowing 90019 — When you plant seeds in the dead of winter, you will forget what’s in the containers by spring — trust me on this one! So you’ll definitely want to label them. 90003 90002 There are a few ways you could do that.Some people write on masking or duct tape, and others write directly on the top of the container. 90003 90002 However, if you use a permanent marker on top, the writing will fade in the sun, and could be unreadable by spring. I recommend using a paint pen to write on the top. If you use tape, put it on the bottom of the container so the writing will not fade. 90003 90002 My preferred method for labeling my winter sown seed containers is to use plastic plant markers, and writing on them with a pencil.Then I push the marker into the soil, and I have never had one of them fade. 90003 90002 90018 Step 6: Water the soil 90019 — After you’re done planting the seeds, water the soil thoroughly, and allow it to drain before moving them outside. 90003 90002 I give mine a light shower with the sprayer in my kitchen sink because it will not disrupt the soil or displace the seeds. If the soil is really dry, then water it a few times to make sure it’s evenly moist. 90003 90155 90002 Watering seeds after winter sowing in milk jugs 90003 90002 90018 Step 7: Put the lids on 90019 — The details for this step depend on what type of container you used.If the lid snaps on and fits tight, then you’re done. 90003 90002 If you used something tall that you had to cut in half (ie: milk jug, 2 liter bottle … etc), then you can use duct tape (or other heavy duty tape) to attach the lid back on (but leave the caps off). 90003 90002 You can tape any of the lids on if they do not fit tightly. Just make sure you do not completely cover the transparent parts of the container, or the holes you made back in step 2. 90003 90002 90018 Step 8: Move them outside 90019 — Move your winter sown containers outside to a spot where they are protected from heavy wind, but will get moisture and full sun.90003 90002 If you have pets or children, put your containers on a table, or other spot where they will be out of reach. 90003 90002 90018 Step 9: Forget about them until spring 90019 — Once they’re moved outside, you can pretty much forget about them until spring. Do not worry, it’s OK if they’re completely covered by snow for a few months. Just leave them be. 90003 90176 90002 Winter sown seeds outside in the snow 90003 90021 How Long Do Winter Sown Seeds Take To Grow? 90022 90002 The seeds will start growing at their own pace, and the timing can be different for each one.Some may start germinating before the snow even melts off the containers. While others will not start growing until the weather gets warmer in the spring. 90003 90002 On average, my winter sown seeds start germinating in early March … but I’m in Minneapolis zone 4b. Warmer zones will start to see sprouts much earlier. Oh, and it can also vary year to year, depending on the weather. 90003 90002 The best thing to do is to make sure you check regularly for any signs of sprouts. Start checking them as the weather begins to warm up in the late winter / early spring.The hardiest seeds will germinate first. 90003 90187 90002 Winter sown seeds growing in the spring 90003 90021 Monitoring & Maintaining Your Containers 90022 90002 The only maintenance you have to do in the spring is to make sure your seedlings do not overheat, and that the soil does not dry out. 90003 90002 Those mini greenhouses can get pretty hot inside in the sun, so you may need to vent them more. You can vent them by cracking the lids open, or making the holes in the top larger. 90003 90002 Once the seedlings get tall enough that they are touching the top of the inside of the container, it’s time to remove the lids.90003 90002 The soil can dry out pretty quickly once you take the lids off, so check them at least once a day, and water if necessary. 90003 90002 Once the lids are off, keep an eye on the weather report. If there is a chance for freezing temperatures, cover your seedlings with a sheet or blanket overnight. 90003 90021 Planting The Seedlings Into The Garden 90022 90002 Once the seedlings are tall enough, and have grown their first few sets of true leaves, it’s time to plant them into the garden.Hardy winter sown seedlings can be transplanted as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. 90003 90002 There’s no need to harden them off either, since they’re already growing outside! You can simply plant them directly into the garden. 90003 90208 90002 Winter sown seedlings ready to transplant into the garden 90003 90002 Winter sowing is a great way to grow the seeds for your garden every year. You can do it at your own pace, and there’s minimal care involved. And, since you do not have to harden winter sown seedlings, it makes transplanting them a breeze too! 90003 90002 90214 90003 90002 90018 90218 Next Steps 90219: 90019 If you want more help learning how to winter sow, pick up a copy of my Winter Sowing eBook.It’ll be your essential guide that will walk you through every step of the process in detail. 90003 90002 If you want learn how to easily grow 90218 all 90219 of your plants from seeds, then the Online Seed Starting Course would be perfect for you! It is an in-depth online training that will walk you through everything you need to know about growing all types of seeds, step-by-step. 90003 90059 Products I Recommend 90060 90059 More Posts About Winter Sowing 90060 90059 Other Winter Sowing Resources 90060 90002 90018 Have you tried winter sowing yet? Share your tips or experiences in the comments section below.90019 90003 90002 90009 90003 90002 90240 90003.90000 Winter Sowing Questions & Answers (FAQs) 90001 90002 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 90003 90002 Over the years I’ve gotten tons of winter sowing questions. I see many of the same ones come through, so I decided to put together an FAQ (frequently asked questions) post to answer the most common ones.90003 90002 90007 90008 90009 90003 90002 Before digging into the FAQs, I wanted to give you a list of resources where you might find the answer to your most burning winter sowing questions (if you can not find it in this post). 90003 90002 If you’re brand new, or are not familiar with this technique, then start by reading my quick-start guide to winter sowing. There you learn all about it, and how to get started. 90003 90002 Here are more articles that address many other common winter sowing questions … 90003 90017 Frequently Asked Winter Sowing Questions & Answers 90018 90002 Here is a quick list of all of the winter sowing questions you’ll find answers to below.Click on a specific one to jump right to the answer, or scroll down to read through all of the FAQs … 90003 90021 90002 Winter sown seedlings ready to transplant into the garden 90003 90024 Can I put my mini greenhouses in my porch instead of outside for the winter? 90025 90002 If the porch is screened in, they should be fine for the winter. But if the porch has windows, be careful of premature sprouting because of the greenhouse effect. 90003 90002 Also, since the containers will not be outside, you will have to check on them, and water more often to make sure they do not dry out.You may also have to take an extra step to harden them off if it’s really warm in the porch. 90003 90024 How many seeds should I plant in each container? 90025 90002 You do not want the seeds to be planted too close together, because that will make it more difficult to separate the seedlings. But you do not have to worry too much about spacing, since they will not stay in the containers for too long. 90003 90002 As a general rule, I usually try to space my seeds about an inch apart. I give a little less space for small seeds, and I give the larger ones a bit more room.Sometimes I plant them closer together if I have a few left over. For tiny seeds, I just sprinkle them over the top of the dirt. 90003 90036 90002 Planting seeds in a winter sowing container 90003 90024 Will my seeds germinate in cold weather? 90025 90002 No. As long as it stays below freezing, your seeds will not germinate. It sounds funny, but they are programmed to know when it’s safe to start growing. 90003 90024 Will not the constant freezing and thawing through the winter harm my seeds? 90025 90002 As long as you use the correct type of seed, then no.Winter sown seeds are going through the same treatment as the seeds that have sown themselves naturally in the ground. 90003 90002 In fact, some seeds even benefit from the freezing and thawing. It breaks down their hard outer shells, so we do not have to worry about nicking them. And many of them even 90048 need 90049 the cold in order to grow. 90003 90024 Can I winter sow seeds in Dixie cups, toilet paper rolls, or egg cartons? 90025 90002 In case you’re not familiar, the idea is that the paper will make it easier to separate the seedlings in the spring.And that they will work as plantable pots that decompose in the garden. 90003 90002 I have experimented with this before, and found it did not work very well. The paper wicks water away from the soil, and dries it out very quickly. 90003 90002 Also, mold can grow on the paper, which is not ideal. Plus, the paper was so brittle by spring, it disintegrated and did not make it easier for me to separate the seedlings. 90003 90002 You could certainly try it to see how well it works for you. Just keep a close eye on the soil moisture level.If wicking becomes a problem, either remove the paper that’s sticking out, or cover it with more soil. 90003 90061 90002 Dixie cups 90003 90024 What should I do with my containers if it snows? 90025 90002 Nothing, let them get covered by snow. Do not worry, it’s all part of the process, and it’s not going to crush the mini greenhouses or harm your seeds. 90003 90002 It’s nice because, as the snow melts, it will seep into the containers, keeping the soil moist. In the spring after the snow melts off my containers, I go out there once and a while and toss more snow on top.That makes it super easy to water them. 90003 90024 Do I need to protect the containers from harsh cold if we do not have snow to insulate them? 90025 90002 Nope. Put them out there in the freezing cold … and forget about them until spring. That’s the beauty of winter sowing! 90003 90074 90002 Winter sowing containers covered in snow 90003 90024 We have a big problem with squirrels and raccoons, will they bother my containers? 90025 90002 We have squirrels and raccoons too, and I’ve never had a problem with them getting into my containers.If you’re too nervous to winter sow because of this, try putting out a few test containers, and see if any critter bother them. 90003 90002 I would think that since they are closed up tight, the critters will leave them alone. You could always leave the lids on your containers until you’re ready to plant the seedlings into the ground. 90003 90024 How do I water the containers? 90025 90002 If the containers are flat on top, you can just throw snow over them, or pour water onto the lids. This way, the water will trickle in through the vent holes.90003 90002 For milk jugs, or similar containers, you can tilt them and slowly pour water into the top so it will trickle down the inside. If you pour water directly into the jug, you can displace the seeds or small seedlings. 90003 90002 If the lids are easy to remove, you can open them and water them like you would any other seedlings. But, this can be a big chore when you have lots of containers. 90003 90091 90002 Winter sown seeds germinating in containers 90003 90024 Should I be worried the mini greenhouses are getting too hot in the spring? 90025 90002 Yes.In my experience, this can be a problem. Those mini greenhouses can get pretty hot inside, and the seeds / seedlings could bake if you leave them in the full sun. 90003 90002 So, once it starts getting warm in the spring, you should protect them from the intense afternoon sun. You do not want them to be in the shade all day, morning and / or evening sun are ideal. 90003 90002 Put your containers under a tree or shrub, or next to a fence, shed, or the house … anything that can provide some shade in the afternoon.If a full sun location is your only option, then either add more holes in the top of the container, or open the lids to vent them. 90003 90024 Some of my seeds have germinated, but others have not, should I be worried? 90025 90002 Do not worry, all of your seeds will not germinate at the same time. This is totally normal! Every type of seed is different, and some take longer to grow than others. 90003 90002 Germination rates will also likely vary from year to year. If it’s a warm spring they will germinate faster.If it’s cold, it will take longer. My best advice here is to be patient, and give it time. 90003 90108 90002 Seeds growing in winter sown containers 90003 90024 My seedlings are getting tall. Should I take the tops off or leave them on? 90025 90002 You can leave the tops on as long as you want, or take them off whenever you want. Some people leave the lids on until the day they plant the seedlings into the garden. 90003 90002 I take the lids off when the seedlings are outgrowing their containers.Sometimes I’ll take them off on a sunny day if I feel like it (which is not required), then I put the lids back on at night. 90003 90002 There are a few things to keep in mind once you remove the lids. If the seedlings are small, you should protect them from heavy rain. 90003 90002 Also, once the lids are off, the soil will dry out much quicker. So you’ll need to check on them at least once a day, and keep them well watered. 90003 90024 What should I do with the seedlings if it’s going to freeze? 90025 90002 Cold hardy winter sown seedlings can tolerate freezing temperatures, and should not need to be protected.Just keep the lids on your containers overnight, and they will be fine. 90003 90002 It’s the warm weather plants (the ones that can not tolerate frost) that you’ll need to worry about. So you might want to give those seedlings a little extra protection to be safe. Put the lids on the containers, and then cover them with a blanket. Or you could move them into the garage or a shed if that’s easier. 90003 90002 Last year I had all my lids off, and everything was growing great. Then one night in May, they were predicting a late freeze (ugh!).I could not put the lids back on because my seedlings were too tall, so I covered them with a blanket (and prayed!). 90003 90002 Sure enough, the blanket was covered with frost the next morning. But, even without their lids, my seedlings were just fine under the blanket. Whew! 90003 90131 90002 Closed winter sowing containers in the spring 90003 90002 Hopefully this post answered all of your winter sowing questions. If not, you can go ahead and ask away in the comments below. Otherwise, click through the links to the articles at both the top and bottom on this page to find more information.90003 90002 90137 90003 90002 If you want to learn everything there is to know about winter sowing, then my Winter Sowing eBook would be perfect for you! It has all the details and steps you need in order to be a successful winter sower. Download your copy today! 90003 90002 Otherwise, if you want to learn all the different methods in order to grow any type of seed you want, then you should take in my Seed Starting Course! It’s a comprehensive, self-paced online course, and it’s lots fun too! Enroll and get started today! 90003 90024 More Winter Sowing Posts 90025 90002 90146 Do you have any burning winter sowing questions? Go ahead and ask them in the comments below.90147 90003 90002 90009 90003 90002 90153 90003.90000 Winter Sowing Seeds eBook 90001 90002 How To Start Seeds Outside In The Snow And Freezing Cold! 90003 90002 90003 90002 90007 90003 90009 If you have a passion for gardening like me … 90010 90002 … winter can easily become a time of twiddling your thumbs while you wait for it to warm back up outside. 90003 90002 But what if I told you that you can 90014 start the seeds for your summer garden outside during the winter 90015 — even when SNOW is on the ground !? 90003 90002 You may think I sound crazy … but let me introduce you to 90014 winter sowing 90015.It is very easy, very inexpensive, and lots of fun! 90003 90002 With the winter sowing method, you do not have to buy any expensive equipment, everything you need you’ll find in your recycling bin! 90003 90002 You do not need to worry about finding space indoors for all those seed flats, or setting up cumbersome lighting in your basement or spare bedroom — 90024 the seed flats go outside 90025! 90003 90002 Plus you can start your seeds much earlier, and get a jump on sowing your seeds well before you can start seeds indoors! 90003 90002 90003 90009 Start your seeds outside in the snow and freezing cold! 90010 90002 I’ve been winter sowing seeds for several years now, and have worked through all the trials and errors so that you do not have to! This eBook is jam-packed full of information and tips to show you exactly how to winter sow your seeds.90003 90002 So, if you’re tired of fussing with all that seed starting equipment you need to grow seeds indoors, you do not have any room in your house to start seeds, or you simply want to experiment with a new method for growing seeds, then this eBook is for you! 90003 90009 The 90024 Winter Sowing Seeds 90025 eBook will bring you up-to-speed on: 90010 90041 90042 Supplies you need that will not break the bank 90043 90042 How to figure out which seeds to use for the best success 90043 90042 The best types of containers to use, and how to modify and clean them for the perfect winter sowing «greenhouse» 90043 90042 Step-by-step instructions for how to plant the containers 90043 90042 A maintenance plan that will provide the best results through Winter and Spring 90043 90042 How to know when to plant the seedlings in your garden 90043 90042 And more! 90043 90056 90009 Buy Your Copy Today! 90010 90002 This step-by-step guide will give you all the details you need to start winter sowing seeds, and grow strong, healthy seedlings without all the fuss! For less than the cost of a few packets of seeds, you’ll be winter sowing in no time.90003 90002 90014 Get started winter sowing today! 90015 90003 90002 90003.90000 Winter Squash Seed Starting Tips 90001 90002 90003 Winter squash are tender, warm-weather crops very similar to summer squashes. But, winter squashes-unlike summer squashes-must fully mature on the vine before harvest. 90004 90002 Summer squashes can be picked and eaten immature; they have a succulent texture. Winter squashes are drier and more fibrous than summer squashes. 90004 90002 Winter squashes include acorn, banana, buttercup, butternut, cushaw delicious, Hubbard, marrow, and pumpkin.90004 90002 Sow winter squash indoor 4 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. Sow winter squash outdoors when the soil temperature has warmed to 70 ° F (21 ° C). Protect squash in the garden from cool temperatures with row covers. 90004 90002 Summer squash mature 60 to 100 frost-free days after sowing. 90004 90013 90014 Winter Squash Sowing and Planting Tips 90015 90016 90017 90018 Grow winter squash from seeds or seedlings. 90019 90018 Seed is viable for 6 years. 90019 90018 Direct sow winter squash in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 70 ° F (21 ° C).In warm-winter regions, sow squash in midwinter for harvest in early summer. 90019 90018 Winter squash seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 66 ° F (18 ° C). 90019 90018 To start plants indoors, sow seed in peat pots 4 to 3 weeks before the last frost in spring. The indoor temperature should be 66 ° F to 85 ° F (18-29 ° C) until germination. 90019 90018 Sow seed ½ to 1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) deep. 90019 90018 Seeds germinate in 4 to 10 days at 85 ° F (29 ° C) or warmer. 90019 90018 Transplant winter squash into the garden after the soil has warmed to at least 70 ° F (21 ° C).90019 90018 Space plants in the garden 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in all directions. 90019 90018 Winter squash will benefit from the warm soil created by planting on hills or mounds; raise the soil 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 20 inches (50 cm) wide and grow individual plants on hills. Space hills 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) apart. 90019 90018 Water to keep the soil from drying. 90019 90018 Fertilize with fish emulsion or a soluble complete fertilizer at half strength. 90019 90018 Add aged compost to planting beds in advance of transplanting.90019 90018 Winter squash prefer a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. 90019 90018 Grow winter squash in full sun for best yield. 90019 90018 Avoid planting winter squash where cucumbers or melons have grown recently. 90019 90018 Common squash pest enemies include aphids, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, squash bugs, squash vine borers, slugs, and snails. 90019 90018 Common diseases include bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, downy mildew, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic. 90019 90054 90002 More tips at 90014 How to Grow Winter Squash 90015.90004 90002 90014 Interplanting: 90015 Plant winter squash with bush beans, corn, dill, eggplant, lettuce, cucumbers, summer squash, and tomatoes. 90004 90002 90014 Container Growing: 90015 Squashes are not a good choice for container growing. They require significant room to spread and grow. 90004 90013 90014 Winter Squash Planting Calendar 90015 90016 90017 90018 4-3 weeks before the last frost in spring: start seed indoors for transplanting into the garden later. 90019 90018 2-3 weeks after the last frost in spring: transplant seedlings to the garden.90019 90018 3 weeks after the last frost in spring: direct sow seed in the garden; minimum soil temperature 65 ° 90019 90054 90079 90002 Winter squash will benefit from the warm soil created by planting on hills or mounds; 90004 90013 90014 Winter Squash Recommended Varieties 90015 90016 90002 There many types and varieties of winter squash; here are a few: 90004 90017 90018 Acorn: acorn-shaped, dark green fruit to 2 pounds. 90019 90018 Banana: smooth gray-green skin, light orange flesh to 18 inches long.90019 90018 Butternut: tan-yellow skin, orange fleshy pulp; elongated pear-shape with a bulbous compartment of seeds at the blossom end 90019 90018 Buttercup: squat acorn shape; blackish-green rind with yellow-orange flesh. 90019 90018 Cushaw: green-striped gourd to 15 inches long. 90019 90018 Hubbard: bluish, gray, orange or dark green, smooth and warty skin. 90019 90018 Pumpkins are winter squashes. 90019 90018 Turban: bright-colored, turban-shaped shells 6 to 7 inches in diameter.90019 90054 90002 90014 Botanical Names: 90015 90109 Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo. 90110 90004 90002 Winter squash are members of the 90109 Cucurbitaceae 90110 family; other members cucumbers, melons, watermelon, and pumpkins. 90004 90002 More tips at 90014 Squash and Pumpkin Growing Tips 90015. 90004 .

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