194 GARDEN STEPS 



and, while not so thick as the Hubbard, is of excel- 

 lent quality. 



Planting. — Winter squash does not need early- 

 planting, except in the northern states. It is de- 

 sirable to have the crop maturing as cold weather ap- 

 proaches, as it is not easy to keep, through the win- 

 ter, squashes which have ripened during hot weather. 

 Moreover, the late planted squash makes more 

 rapid growth, and is better able to overcome insect 

 enemies, which become less troublesome as the 

 season advances. 



In all except the northern states, winter squash 

 may be planted as late as the first of July, with 

 good chances for a crop. Land where early crops 

 have been grown may thus be used for winter 

 squash. The hills should be prepared as for sum- 

 mer squash, but, as the vines run twenty or thirty 

 feet, the hills must be six or eight feet apart. 



It is often suggested that squashes be planted in 

 the corn rows ; but this is not good practice, except 

 where the corn land is extremely rich. The squash 

 vine is a greedy feeder, and corn roots have very good 

 appetites themselves. To feed both properly will 

 not be easy. Moreover, the vines will be in the way 

 of the harrow as soon as they get started. It is much 

 better to put the squashes by themselves. They 

 may be placed in rough spots and odd corners where 

 fine cultivalion is difl&cult. If a piece of land gets 

 beyond control, and weeds choke early crops, as 



