To plant squash successfully, spacing depends on the type of squash and the planting method:
- For summer squash :
- Plant seeds or seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart within a mound or row initially.
- Thin or space plants to about 12 to 18 inches apart as they grow.
- Space mounds or rows about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow room for growth and airflow
- For winter squash (which have longer vines):
- Space mounds at least 4 feet apart, preferably 6 feet for better growth.
- Plants should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart within the mound or row
- For bush varieties of squash:
- Space plants about 3 feet (90 cm) apart.
- For trailing or vining varieties :
- Space plants about 5 feet (1.5 m) apart to accommodate sprawling vines
- When planting in rows, rows should be spaced about 3 to 6 feet apart depending on the squash type, with 3 feet for bush types and wider spacing for trailing types
In summary, a good general guideline is:
- Plant seeds 4 to 6 inches apart initially.
- Thin or space plants to 12 to 18 inches apart for summer squash.
- Space mounds or plants 3 to 6 feet apart depending on variety and growth habit.
- Provide more space (4 to 6 feet) for winter squash and trailing types to prevent crowding and reduce disease risk
This spacing ensures healthy growth, good airflow to reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew, and enough room for the plants to produce well.
