[steampig]

I'm growing butternut squash for the first time this year. I've read that pumpkins and squahes will climb if given the opportunity. Does this apply to all varieties or maybe are there specific climbing varietes. I only ask because i've heard that these plants can cover quite an area.

[DD.]

Both are trailing plants, so therefore they can be trained to go up. You have to bear in mind though the weight of the fruit. If left hanging unsupported, the weight will simply rip the plant off.

The plants can cover a large area, but they can be 'stopped' before they get too big, indeed this is desirable for large fruit.

[Sadgit]

well the slugs have stopped my squash from growing too much!!!!!!!!!

[DD.]

well the slugs have stopped my squash from growing too much!!!!!!!!!

I think we were only talking theoretically here!

[Little Miss Muffet]

my butternut squash died to the point of no return :cry:

[steampig]

Both are trailing plants, so therefore they can be trained to go up. You have to bear in mind though the weight of the fruit. If left hanging unsupported, the weight will simply rip the plant off.

The plants can cover a large area, but they can be 'stopped' before they get too big, indeed this is desirable for large fruit.

Already thought about this, got a spare pair of fishnets ready.  

Any particular point at which the plants should be stopped

[DD.]

Already thought about this, got a spare pair of fishnets ready.  

Any particular point at which the plants should be stopped

What a waste of fishnets!!

I've generally let my squash run rampant, until they've exceeded their allotted space! Pumpkins, I usually go for 2 per plant.

[BAK]

Unless the fruits are modest in size and weight you are likely to require very strong fishnets and an even stronger framework. I would not do it personally.

I pinch the top out after 6 leaves (this is mainly to encourage female flowers to form) ... after that I pinch out any leaders that want to stray off piste. They are constrained to a 4 feet wide bed in my case.

[DD.]

Unless the fruits are modest in size and weight you are likely to require very strong fishnets and an even stronger framework. I would not do it personally.

I pinch the top out after 6 leaves (this is mainly to encourage female flowers to form) ... after that I pinch out any leaders that want to stray off piste. They are constrained to a 4 feet wide bed in my case.

You'd probably be OK with squashes, but yes, wouldn't try it with Atlantic Giant pumpkins!