How to Grow Squash Winter Early Acorn F1 from Seed

Growing Squash Winter Early Acorn F1 from seed is a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious vegetable in the cooler months of the year. These compact, bushy plants produce an abundance of small, acorn-shaped squash that are perfect for roasting, baking, and more.

Sowing Your Seeds

To sow your squash seeds, fill small pots or seed trays with seed compost that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. Plant the seeds about 1cm deep and water well. Keep the compost moist, but not waterlogged, and place the pots or trays in a warm, sunny location.

Your squash seeds should germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to about 10cm tall and have a few true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.

In the UK, it is best to sow your squash seeds indoors in March or April. This will give the plants plenty of time to grow and mature before the cooler weather arrives in the fall.

Planting Outdoors

Once the risk of frost has passed and the outdoor temperature has warmed up, move your squash plants outdoors. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and space your plants about 60cm apart.

To help your squash plants thrive, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch the soil around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Your Squash

Your squash plants should begin to produce fruit within 8-10 weeks of planting. The squash will ripen gradually over the course of a few weeks

so be sure to check your plants regularly and pick the fruit as soon as it is ripe.

In the UK, squash is typically ready to be harvested in the fall, from September through November. To tell if a squash is ripe, look for a deep golden-brown color and give it a gentle squeeze. If it is firm but not hard, it is ready to be picked. Cut the squash from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Once picked, enjoy your squash fresh or use it in your favorite recipes. It is a delicious and versatile addition to any garden.