Grow This Gorgeous Gourd: Waltham Butternut Squash
Another Spring Garden star from BLeaves Farms is the Waltham Butternut Squash. If you’re looking for a garden vegetable that’s delicious, nutritious, easy to store, and absolutely rewarding to grow, look no further. This heirloom variety is a garden staple here at BLeaves Farms, and for good reason!
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned homesteader, this versatile squash will win your heart and your taste buds.
Why We Love Waltham Butternut
Waltham butternut squash is known for its uniform shape, sweet and nutty flavor, and long storage life. The flesh is deep orange, velvety when roasted, and rich in vitamins A and C. It’s the perfect soup squash, roasting companion, and even works beautifully in baked goods!
How to Grow Waltham Butternut Squash
1. Start With Quality Seeds
Waltham Butternut Squash Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO are easy to germinate and dependable performers.
2. Timing
Plant your seeds in late spring once soil temps are consistently above 60°F. In most climates, that’s 2-4 weeks after your last frost.
3. Location
Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Butternuts need full sun (6+ hours daily) to thrive and develop that signature sweetness.
4. Soil Prep & Fertilization
Amend your soil with rich compost and feed with an organic vegetable fertilizer every 4-6 weeks like this one.
5. Planting Instructions
- Spacing: 3-4 feet between plants or sow in hills with 2-3 seeds per hill.
- Depth: 1 inch deep
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. In the Valley of the Sun, we water using 1/4th-inch dripline with 6-inch emitter spacing for 45 minutes twice a day.
Common Pests & How to Handle Them
- Squash Vine Borer: Look for holes at the base of the stem and frass (sawdust-looking poop). Prevention is key. Use row covers early in the season.
- Squash Bugs: Handpick, use neem oil spray, and remove egg clusters on leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: Ensure good airflow, water in the morning, and avoid overhead watering. Organic fungicides, like the neem oil including fungicide listed above, can help.
Harvesting & Storage
Harvest when the rinds are hard and beige, and the stems begin to dry. Cure in a warm dry place for 10–14 days, then store in a cool spot. Properly stored, Waltham butternut can last up to 6 months!
Taste & Nutritional Powerhouse
Waltham butternuts are sweet, creamy, and nutty, with a flavor that deepens the longer they’re stored. Rich in beta-carotene, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, they’re fantastic for immune support and digestive health. They are a great base or accompaniment for so many delicious dishes!
Recipe: Roasted Garlic & Maple Butternut Squash Soup
We’ll now share with you a recipe to enjoy your harvest!
Ingredients:
- 1 Waltham butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
- Optional: a splash of cream or coconut milk
Instructions:
- Roast squash and garlic at 400°F for 30–35 minutes with olive oil and salt.
- In a large pot, sauté onion until soft.
- Add roasted squash, garlic, broth, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Stir in maple syrup and cream if desired. Serve hot!
Share With Us!
Are you growing Waltham butternut squash this year? We want to see your garden, harvest, and recipes! Tag us on Instagram or TikTok or share your journey on Facebook. And let us know what additional butternut squash recipes you’d like us to share in the future.
Let’s inspire more people to get their hands in the dirt and eat seasonally.
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