[KT]

How much space do they need between plants? i have a 4ft by 20ft border how many will i get in it?

[Nikkithefoot]

They spread themselves out, and trail around, I grew 2 plants among my sweetcorn which covered about 6ft x 6ft if that helps

[DD.]

I devoted 40 sq yds to 5 plants last year.

[grenhouse]

Depends.........
Last year I grew mine up a homemade frame. Got 3 in an area 5 x 9 ft. Hopefully there isn't a problem with me posting this link but i found this site very helpful last year

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_squash_butternut.html

Steve

[peapod]

I devoted 40 sq yds to 5 plants last year.

Ive done that this year (but they will have to share with two pumpkins at the other end of the bed)

[Elaine G]

Oh dear!
I was hoping to get 4 into an 8 x 4 bed. 
I guess that will be a bit crowded?

Elaine

[KT]

when they trail are they quite "flexable" can you train them? because although my raised bed is only 4ft wide, i could train them up over the edge which would give them more space as long as they don't set down roots as they go??

However i've got beans behind them so i've need to be able to wade myself though to pick them.  

Also would something like weed control fabric be good to put around there base so the fruit don't touch the floor?

Sorry never grown them before.

[smc]

Depends.........
Last year I grew mine up a homemade frame. Got 3 in an area 5 x 9 ft. Hopefully there isn't a problem with me posting this link but i found this site very helpful last year

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_squash_butternut.html

Steve

great find steve, useful to read this.

[skywalker]

Oh dear the pictures from the beginning of April in the link look like mine do now. Have I left it too late to get fruit as I only I true leaf so far

[Stevens706]

skywalker yours will be fine, mine are at that stage and I got a crop last year.

KT I put old dinner plates under the fruit to keep them off the ground

[Elaine G]

Last year I put foil trays underneath - not that I had many squashes!
I think I read that on here 

Elaine

[slow_worm]

Depends.........
Last year I grew mine up a homemade frame. Got 3 in an area 5 x 9 ft. Hopefully there isn't a problem with me posting this link but i found this site very helpful last year

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_squash_butternut.html

Steve

This is a great solution - I am gonna try your system for 2011.  I have want to build some beds for a while and yours seems the simplest & cheapest solution.