Endeavor Squash; Zucchini

Buttercup squash is a favourite winter squash which stores very well, has a rich, sweet flavour and is easily grown here in NW Ontario. There are a few different varieties; however, the Burgess Buttercup has always been my preferred variety. With an 85 day maturity time, they are well within our 100-day growing season.

As with most squash plants, germination requires warmer soil. It is recommended you start the seeds indoors 4-5 weeks before the last frost day. This will allow them to germinate in the lovely hot windowsill. You could also plant them outside using a cold frame of soil warming system.

Transplanting outside should take place a week or two after the last frost or when the soil is consistently warm.
Square foot Garden rules suggest one plant per square foot. As with most squash, buttercup squash can be easily trellised up a 45 degree sloped trellis to maximize garden space. Trellising also keeps the fruit off the ground.
The Buttercup squash has a thick green skin and will store for months in a dry, cool place. They are a favourite for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

An angled trellis is a great way to save space when growing pretty much any squash that vine. The vines love to climb things and spread out, by going in the vertical you can keep your squash plants somewhat contained in as little as a 4×6 foot area (four plants in this area) as demonstrated in this picture.
The 2 foot by four-foot garden box obscured on the left has four squash plants. An angled trellis made from 2×2 and snow fence. The snow fenced area of the trellis can be up to 8 feet by 4 feet across (32 square feet), which on an angle will only take up 16 square feet of ground space. The verticle supports are also made of 2×2 and will allow the vines to hang down, adding another 3-4 feet of off the ground growing.