[wolveryeti]

Have some winter squash I am about to put out. Wondering whether I should put down some weed proof membrane around the planting hole.

PROS:
- weed suppression
- keeps soil warm
- possible mulching effect?

CONS:
- Auxiliary roots can't feed
- More faff

Anyone have a view?

[New shoot]

I’ve grown them through weed membrane and it is fine, but I would really water the soil well before you lay it.  It does allow a few more weeds through, but make a decent hole in it to plant through.  That makes watering and feeding the plant a lot easier.

You do have to look out for slugs lurking under it so I would sprinkle some slug pellets around as a precaution even through it has gone hotter and drier.

[Aidy]

I am more of a open ground sort of person!

The leaves will create their own weed membrane.
I am just owd skool, it's what I have been brought up with.
Always get good crops.

[mumofstig]

When I had my allotment, like New Shoot, I always grew my squash through weed membrane, I used a sunken pot near each plant so I could water and feed them.
Once they started growing like crazy, it was hard to find the root/or pot so it's worth putting a piece of cane through the pot, so you can see where they are 

[Cavolo Hero]

I have done both. I used the membrane when that patch of ground was too rough and I didn’t have time to sort it out properly.
Either way works fine 

[Twood]

Hi Wolveryeti

I grew mine in open ground last year. First time. I put a lot of mushroom compost in the whole and they went mad. As has previously said the leaves will keep the weeds down. Although this year they are a bit slow to get going  . So it could be the weather??
Sounds like either way is ok what ever suits you best