[viettaclark]

Just nipped over from the poultry site to find out if anyone knows why my 2 squashes haven't actually flowered yet. There are loads of healthy buds but they're not doing anything! Do you think it's lack of sun? They are in a sheltered place outside, get sun (when we have it) for the afternoon. They are in good tomato compost in huge pots up on a table, get plenty of rainwater from the butt and are fed a tomato fertiliser weekly. The seeds (Duchy Original, organic, "Waltham") were planted  in June. I have removed a couple of leaves to open up the plants and nipped out the growing tips at 2/3 ft. Has anyone any ideas please? Am I being impatient?

[DD.]

This question has been raised a few times this year, so you're not alone.

A lot of butternuts leave it until the last minute before they have a sprint to the line, mine included. They are just starting to run and the flower budsare just appearing, they've got a couple of months yet to make it!

[Remy]

Do you need to take the butter nut squash shoots?

[Sadgit]

for the 1st time in 3 years of trying I actually have BNS right now.. 1 looks like it is almost ready for picking!! normally I only have small flowers 2nd week in Aug.. but I have about 10 fruit!! come on BNS make me happy...

[viettaclark]

Taking out the growing tips at 2/3 ft. is supposed to encourage side shoots? I had to anyway because they're up on a long table and I don't want fruit dangling. Might attract the chooks!!! Glad to hear they've got plenty of time....might get a brilliant harvest if only half the flower buds become fruit.