Squash

Hello all

This is effectively my first post so I apologise if I am going over old ground...

My first year of growing stuff was a hastily-thrown together business, the result of mostly planting seeds selected by my partner and step-children on a trip to the garden centre. This year I want to be more focused about it, and actually decide logically what would be a good idea to grow.

The fact that the squash I get from the supermarket (butternut, mostly) seems to last *for ever* in my veg basket (I'm sure I've kept them for months at a time before using) makes me think that they'd be a good thing to grow. I'm not sure whether all varieties would have the same 'keeping' qualities, however?  I'm quite interested in growing spagetti squash.

Anyway, I just wondered how easy/hard they are to grow? Is this a nonsensical plan?

Caro x

Our butternut squash have been fantastic this year, we eat lots of it so that's great, from three plants we have about 5/6 on each but they do like to spread themselves around  we also found two plants that must have come from stray seeds from last year, they're also doing well although they're quite small still.  Like you say they do seem to store well so hopefully won't have to buy any this winter    In my experience I would say go for it if you have the space!

I've grown squash this year and have had fantastic results! As previously mentioned they can become very large so need lots of space. Dont be tempted to use seed from shop bought squash, I dont think it gives good quality fruits, you need to make sure you buy seeds. As mentioned before, leave the fruits on the plant to ripen completely before cutting to make sure they develop the hard skin needed for storage.

I have had 9 Butternut Squash from 5 plants, which are just ripening now.  This is the first year I have grown squash and initially thought I would get no fruit, but I was patient and it has paid off.

I noticed the advice on storage "As long as you let the squash ripen properly so that the skins harden they will keep well into the Winter if kept in a cool and airy, frost free area. Some say bring them into the warm house for 10 days before storing."

But is this in the light or in darkness?  Can anyone please help.

Thanks for the link DD.

squashes are definitely worth growing as there are so many varieties to try that you would never find in the supermarket.  Last night we tried our first 'Blue Ballet' squash and it was delicious. One word of warning though - if you grow several varieties near each other they often cross pollinate and if you save the seeds to plant the following year you might get some unexpected results 

Thanks all.

Talking of things spreading out, my courgette/marrow plants are massive, but I just noticed that my neighbour's plants across the road are tiny by comparison. Are there varieties that don't grow as big as others? Or are they just stunted (they definitely have good sized courgettes on them)?

I don't know much at all, do I?
 


C xx