Is yellowing always a bad sign?

Not always. Older leaves naturally yellow as the plant directs energy to new growth and fruit.

Can I fix yellow leaves with more sun?

If the plant is in a shady spot, moving it to full sun will help. However, yellowing is more often related to water or soil nutrients.

Winter Squash: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.
Assess if the yellowing is on old leaves or new growth.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the bottom of the plant. The soil feels constantly soggy or muddy.
What to do: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your garden bed has proper drainage.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn evenly pale yellow while new growth stays green. This indicates a lack of nitrogen in the soil.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your winter squash

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly to younger leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and feed your plants with organic compost at the start of the season.

Winter Squash: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winter squash and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is yellowing always a bad sign?: Not always. Older leaves naturally yellow as the plant directs energy to new growth and fruit.
Can I fix yellow leaves with more sun?: If the plant is in a shady spot, moving it to full sun will help. However, yellowing is more often related to water or soil nutrients.

Why are the leaves on my winter squash turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your winter squash?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your winter squash

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Winter Squash: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Winter Squash