How to Grow Squash in Containers

Growing squash in containers is a great way to make vegetable gardening easier. There are several good reasons to grow squash in containers. They can be moved into frost-free areas to extend the harvest period. Containers can be placed where they are easily accessible and easy to harvest. It is also easier to check water saturation in a container. Below are steps to assure successful planting and growth of squash in containers.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Squash plants or seeds
• Containers
• Stakes or cages for vining plants
• Good quality potting soil
• Trowel to dig holes or you may use your fingers if you prefer
• Gardening gloves
• Watering can or hose
• Fertilizer suitable for vegetables

Step 1- Choose and Prepare Containers

Use a new pot at least 12 inches high and wide. Half barrels are also good for planting squash. Make sure there is drainage at the bottom through one or more drainage holes. If you want to use a pot that has been used before, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and sprayed with a bleach-water mixture (7 parts water to 1 part bleach) to sterilize it.

Check the plant growth information to see whether the squash is bush type or vining. Vining squash plants will need to be staked. You can use a tomato cage, trellis or sticks in a teepee shape depending on where the container is placed, the shape you prefer, and what materials you have available.

Step 2 - Choose the Right Soil and Plant the Squash

Use good-quality, well-aerated and good-draining potting soil with lots of organic matter. Fill the container 3/4 full with your potting soil if you are planting a plant or within 1 to 2 inches from the top if you are planting seeds. If you are staking your squash, place the stakes after you fill the pot with soil and before planting. You will generally want 1 plant per pot depending on the growth pattern of the squash.

For a squash plant, place the plant close to the stake and fill in the potting soil around the plant. Water thoroughly and slowly. After the soil settles add soil to fill the container within 3/4 inch of the top, press down around the plant to settle it, and water again.

For seeds, press 5 to 6 seeds in the center of the pot and cover with 1/2 inch of soil mix. Water thoroughly and deeply. After the seeds sprout, cut back to 2 plants. When they are 8 to 10 inches high, carefully pull out and transplant one and leave the other in the container.

Step 3 - Find the Right Location in Your Garden

Squash need 8 hours of sunlight a day. It needs to be planted after the danger of frost is past, and the soil needs to be kept warm. It also needs to be protected from wind. Find a place in your garden that meets these requirements and where the container or containers are also easy to get to for maintenance and harvesting.

Step 4 - Container Watering and Maintenance

Water often enough so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. Check plants regularly for watering. Remember that clay pots dry out more quickly than plastic pots. As the squash blossoms and grows, fertilize weekly with a water-soluble or granular fertilizer made for vegetables.