Overwintering guide
How to overwinter patty pan squash
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills patty pan squash in winter
Cutting patty pan squash hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More patty pan squash care
Overwintering patty pan squash — FAQ
Does patty pan squash need to come indoors for winter?
Patty Pan Squash is hardy to roughly USDA zone 2 — winter lows around -46°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Patty Pan Squash is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move patty pan squash for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water patty pan squash in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills patty pan squash over winter?
Cutting patty pan squash hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.