John M

You do not have to trellis squash, but doing so can make a huge difference in how well your plants grow and how much you harvest.   If you’ve been wondering whether you have to trellis squash or if you can just let it sprawl on the ground, the short answer is no, you don’t … Read more

You do not have to refrigerate butternut squash if you plan to use it within a few weeks.   In fact, keeping butternut squash out of the fridge is often the better choice for maintaining its flavor and texture.   But there are definitely times when refrigerating butternut squash makes sense, especially once it’s been … Read more

Do you have to refrigerate spaghetti squash? The short answer is no, you don’t have to refrigerate spaghetti squash if you plan to use it within a reasonable timeframe.   Whole spaghetti squash can be stored at room temperature for weeks, sometimes even months, depending on the conditions.   But once you cut into it, … Read more

You do not have to pick butternut squash before frost, but it is highly recommended if a hard freeze is coming.   Butternut squash is a warm-season crop that loves the heat, and it can handle a light frost without much trouble.   The real danger is a hard freeze, which is when temperatures drop … Read more

Do you have to pollinate squash? Yes, you do have to pollinate squash if you want the plant to produce actual fruit.   Pollinating squash is one of those garden tasks that feels intimidating at first, but once you understand why it matters, it becomes second nature.   Without pollination, your squash plants will grow … Read more

You don’t have to peel summer squash, and in most cases, you probably shouldn’t.   The skin is thin, tender, and completely edible once the squash is cooked properly.   So if you’ve been standing over the sink wondering whether to peel summer squash before dinner, you can relax.   That peel is not just … Read more