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Fertilizing winter squash #878715
Asked July 25, 2024, 11:18 AM EDT
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Sorry for the delayed response on this question.
Using a high nitrogen fertilizer at planting time is good for your squash. The nitrogen helps them to grow strong stems and plenty of leaves. I would not recommend applying that strength now when your plants are producing fruit. When the plants begin to bear fruit you can side dress them with a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
You do not need to move the vines. The plants take up water and nutrients through their roots (at the site of planting). Some stems can develop roots further out but they are supplemental and not the main feeders of the vines.
https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/fact-sheets/pdf/pumpkins_and_squash.pdf