Growing squash in Pinal County is relatively easy because the crop thrives in our desert sun and heat. We have two distinct growing seasons, fall and early spring, and you can feature both summer and winter varieties in your garden.  

The primary difference between summer and winter squash? When they are harvested. Summer squash is picked young with thin, edible skin and soft seeds, making it more perishable. Winter squash matures fully on the vine into a hard-skinned, starchy fruit that can be cured and stored for months. Seeds are the most economical way to grow squash, but transplants can get you a faster harvest. In the fall, we must wait until soil temperatures cool to 70 degrees before planting seeds directly in the ground. Plant in a spot with full sun and rich, well-draining soil mixed heavily with compost.  

Provide deep, consistent watering, especially during production. Because squash plants produce separate male and female flowers, pollination can be a challenge. We suggest growing three or more plants, or hand-pollinating with a small paintbrush in the morning to ensure good fruit development. 

Avoid planting winter squash near potatoes or sweet potatoes because they compete heavily for nutrients.

Popular summer varieties include zucchini, straight neck and patty pan, which can be eaten raw or cooked. Their mild flavor and tender texture are versatile in many recipes. 

Favorite winter varieties include butternut, acorn, delicata, honey nut, spaghetti, kabocha and pumpkins. Most varieties must be peeled either before or after cooking, but delicata and honey nut have tender edible skin. 

Butternut is the most popular variety due to its mild, sweet flavor, while acorn squash is excellent for stuffing and baking.   

Pumpkins are also part of the Cucurbita plant genus but are more often used in sweet applications. The arrival of the ever-popular pumpkin spice is a true harbinger of autumn and seems to appear in everything except bath tissue. Even though pumpkins are easy to grow in most climates, in our desert environment using the canned variety may be the easiest option.   

With the holidays around the corner, a bowl or basket filled with a selection of winter squashes makes a beautiful autumnal centerpiece. With all of the choices available, you’re sure to find a squash that you enjoy growing and eating.