UK gardeners can grow pumpkins, winter squash, and summer squash outdoors from late May when frost risk passes. Sow seeds indoors in April, placing them on edge in 9cm pots at 18-20C. Each plant needs 1.5-2m of growing space on a mound of well-rotted compost. Winter squash varieties like Crown Prince and Uchiki Kuri store for 3-6 months after curing in sunshine for 10-14 days. Summer squash crops within 8 weeks of planting out.
Key takeaways
- Sow seeds indoors in April on their edge to prevent rot, and plant out after the last frost in late May
- Each plant needs 1.5-2m of growing space on a mound enriched with well-rotted compost or manure
- Summer squash like Patty Pan crops in 8 weeks, while winter squash needs 14-20 weeks to mature
- Hand pollinate female flowers in the morning using a soft paintbrush for a reliable fruit set
- Cure winter squash and pumpkins in sunshine for 10-14 days to harden the skin before storage
- Properly cured Crown Prince and Uchiki Kuri store for 3-6 months in a cool, dry room at 10-15C
pumpkins squash winter squash summer squash grow your own allotment vegetables
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
