Which fertilizer is good for butternut squash?

When using a granular type, choose a well balanced one such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. These numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, potassium and phosphate in the fertilizer mixture. Equal percentages of these 3 key ingredients will help the plant to grow large and produce high quality squash.

What should I fertilize squash with?

Commercial fertilizers are available in a number of formulations, such as 10-10-10, 4-8-5 or 5-10-10. Squash require regular fertilizing to thrive, but adding nitrogen encourages the plants to produce green leafy growth rather than flowers and fruits.

What is a natural fertilizer for squash?

Fertilizing Squash Squash are heavy feeders, so even if you build organic soil amendments into the soil when planting squash, they may need a side-dressing of compost, composted manure, or a good organic fertilizer like Dr. Earth Organic Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer at mid-season.

What helps butternut squash grow?

Fertilize your plants. As heavy feeders, butternut squash responds well to fertilizer. In addition to planting your seeds in soil that’s rich in organic matter, fertilizing your plants with a compost tea or liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks will help keep them healthy.

How do you fertilize a butternut squash plant?

Butternut Squash requires low nitrogen and fairly high potassium and phosphorous for good fruit development. Add an organic granular fertilizer at a rate of 2 to 3 tablespoons per hill of three plants prior to planting. Do not over fertilize with nitrogen as this encourages vine growth and retards fruiting.

How long does it take for butternut squash to grow after flowering?

about 110-120 days
The butternut squash growing season is about 110-120 days for fruit maturation, so if your season is short, it’s best to start your seeds indoors to give them a head start. To grow butternut squash indoors, you’ll need to start about six weeks before the last frost in your area.

How long does it take butternut squash to mature?

about 50-55 days
HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully. Sun cure by exposing fruits for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping squash at 80-85°F/27-29°C and 80-85\% relative humidity (RH) with good air ventilation.

What fertilizer has low nitrogen?

For example, 0-10-10 fertilizer contains no nitrogen at all. A low first number on a package means the fertilizer is low in nitrogen. For example, 3-1-2 fertilizer contains only 3\% nitrogen by weight. Some soil amendments (such as bone meal) are natural low nitrogen fertilizers.

Do you prune butternut squash plants?

In many other countries, pruning is part of the standard advice on pumpkins and winter squash to keep their megalomaniac tendencies in check. To get pruning, simply snip off the young growing tips with sharp secateurs.