[JohnB47]

My first year growing these and I'm not sure what size is too small to bother trying to cook with.

I've lifted one that is 24 X 11 X 9 (that's the length, then the diameter of the most bulbous part, then the diameter of the smallest bulbous part, all in centimeters). That seems pretty good but I've got others still on the plants that are smaller.

So, how small is too small?

Thanks.

[Yorkie]

I'd go for it, particularly if they are the only squashes you've got off the plant.  They should taste fine and there's no need to skin butternuts so you won't lose flesh that way.

[JohnB47]

Thanks.

Others will answer too hopefully but a second question. It's still pretty mild down here so I've left them on the plants. Is it OK to leave them until the first frosts - which might be some time yet?

[Yorkie]

I should think they'll be OK - just make sure you check them regularly for rotting, either underneath or brown rings which others have reported.

[JohnB47]

OK. Thanks.

[Paul Plots]

I harvest mine at the first signs of any rot but usually before when the foliage has started to die back and I can see them clearly.


It is unlikely they will do much more growing now... the sun has ripened them about as much as it's going to so anytime now for the chop I'd say.

[8doubles]

I have even halved the little 8 cm squashes and baked them cauliflower cheese style.
There is no b`nut taste at this size but they are not bad eating.

[madcat]

One of my pumpkins set about a dozen of little pumpkins late in the season which are now large grapefruit to lemon sized.  We had our first frost last week ( ) so I harvested my winter squash and pumpkins to keep them safe.

The big ones have gone on a sunny window ledge to dry and ripen but I treated the little ones like round courgettes and they were nice and tasty.....  waste not etc!     No reason why you couldn't do the same with your little butternuts.

[fatbelly]

Learner, That's a mighty fine haul of BNS.

I planted ten plants and they grew tremendously with lots and lots of leaf, but I have only got 7 BNS off them. A fellow plotter said that I had too much foliage and the plants were too close, but I don't know

Whats you secret pray tell.

[Paul Plots]

Learner, That's a mighty fine haul of BNS.

I planted ten plants and they grew tremendously with lots and lots of leaf, but I have only got 7 BNS off them. A fellow plotter said that I had too much foliage and the plants were too close, but I don't know

Whats you secret pray tell.

Treat them mean...  My soil is good but apart fom that I stick them in a few feet apart, keep them watered (but not swimming) and leave them to it. I'm lucky as I find it a very easy crop.  :happy:

If you're getting lots of leaf and little fruit perhaps your soil is too rich? Or maybe you are planting a wee bit late... The last two plants to go out on the plot this year as an after thought made just two fruits each but the others.... well, I'll post a photo later... another pleasing crop.

[Kristen]

Thanks.

Is it OK to leave them until the first frosts - which might be some time yet?

I think you need to harvest them BEFORE the first frost - but that evening will do   I think that even one frost will spoil their ability to keep.

Harvested mine on 8th October last year ... so "soon" will be the time I reckon

[Paul Plots]

Biggish and small... slightly muddy but enough to keep us going for several months.

Presently sitting in the porch to dry off.