The beginner’s handbook to growing bush delicatas: tips, tricks, and success secrets

Growing your own bush delicata squash is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a bountiful harvest of this versatile and nutritious vegetable. This blog post will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right variety to harvesting and storing your squash.

1. Choosing the Right Variety

There are several varieties of bush delicata squash to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

• Bush Buttercup: A compact variety with creamy-white skin and sweet, nutty flesh.
• Bush Delicata: The classic bush delicata variety with creamy skin and orange-yellow flesh.
• Bush Sweet Dumpling: A small, round variety with sweet, tender flesh.

2. Soil Preparation

Bush delicata squash prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend your soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.

3. Planting

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in a seed starting mix. Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them outdoors into prepared soil. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 4-6 feet apart.

4. Watering

Water your squash plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Fertilizing

Fertilize your squash plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the early stages of growth and switch to a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium during the fruiting stage.

6. Pollination

Bush delicata squash is a monoecious plant, meaning that it produces both male and female flowers on the same plant. However, the male flowers usually bloom before the female flowers, so it is important to attract pollinators to your garden to ensure good fruit set. Plant companion plants that attract bees, such as marigolds or zinnias.

7. Harvesting

Bush delicata squash is ready to harvest when the skin has hardened and the stem has turned brown and dry. Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a 2-inch stem attached.

8. Storage

Store bush delicata squash in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. The squash will keep for several months under these conditions.

9. Troubleshooting

Problem: **Blossom-end rot**

Cause: **Calcium deficiency**

Solution: **Add calcium to the soil or apply a foliar spray containing calcium.**

Problem: **Powdery mildew**

Cause: **Fungal disease**

Solution: **Spray plants with a fungicide or use resistant varieties.**

Problem: **Squash vine borers**

Cause: **Insect pests**

Solution: **Handpick borers or use an organic insecticide.**

10. Companion Planting

Planting companion plants around your bush delicata squash can improve growth and yield. Good companion plants include:

• Marigolds: Attract pollinators and repel insects.
• Zinnias: Attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Beans: Fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Corn: Provides shade and supports vines.

11. Health Benefits of Bush Delicata Squash

Bush delicata squash is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

What People Want to Know

1. When should I plant bush delicata squash?

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

2. How much space do bush delicata squash plants need?

Space plants 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 4-6 feet apart.

3. How often should I water my bush delicata squash plants?

Water your squash plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.

4. How do I know when my bush delicata squash is ready to harvest?

The squash is ready to harvest when the skin has hardened and the stem has turned brown and dry.

5. How long will bush delicata squash keep in storage?

Store bush delicata squash in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. The squash will keep for several months under these conditions.