Organic Squash Winter, Honey Butternut

Soil and Water: Deep mounds of organic matter, rich soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8 is best, and heavy, even water.

Planting and Growing: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or sow seed directly once soils are at least 70°F. All squash are extremely frost sensitive, so use mulch to heat soils in early spring and row covers to protect from frost at both ends of the growing cycle.

Harvesting and Storage: Harvest when stems begin to shrivel or you can no longer pierce the skin with a thumbnail, but be sure to harvest before the first hard frost. Cut squash from the vine leaving 2-3" of stem attached. Allow to cure in the sun for 10 days to finish hardening the skins. Store in cool, dry conditions.