Squash and Pumpkin Seeds

Growing suggestions for squash and pumpkin seeds

Sow your squash and pumpkin seeds in pots indoors from April and plant out in May; or sow direct in May. Squashes are very cold sensitive so cover the plants with fleece if there is a danger of frost.

Squashes are hungry and benefit from a good dose of manure or compost added to the soil before planting. They also do well planted straight into the compost heap!

Squash and pumpkin growing calendar

Crop history

Squashes and pumpkins originate in Central and North America where they have a long history of use as food, medicine and material for weaving mats. The term pumpkin is used interchangeably with the term winter squash and comes from the Greek word “pepon” meaning melon. Squashes and pumpkins belong to the cucurbit family and are closely related to courgettes, melons and cucumbers. We tend think of pumpkins as a vegetable, but it is biologically considered a fruit.