[nilsatis1964]

I have 3 jack o laterns going potty on the plot.  I was wondering how many fruits should I try and restrict them to.  Currently one has 6 fruits I can see and the other 2 have 4 each.  The plants seem to grow a foot a day and always in the wrong direction so when do I attemp to stop them growing.

[Nikkithefoot]

If you want larger squashes, then stop more fruits from developing, but if you want more but smaller ones let it grow. Generally anything that tries to set fruit from round about nowish (depending where in the country you are) might not make it to maturity due to frosts.

[nilsatis1964]

I am in Leeds so not that far north.  I think last year I let fruits set into August.  I will wait and see.

[mumofstig]

If you want larger squashes, then stop more fruits from developing, but if you want more but smaller ones let it grow. Generally anything that tries to set fruit from round about nowish (depending where in the country you are) might not make it to maturity due to frosts.

You're having a laugh  ........
sorry, but the squash & pumpkins are only just getting their 'boy' and 'girl' flowers at the same time about now, so I'd never get any fruit if that statement was correct. 

[Nikkithefoot]

If you want larger squashes, then stop more fruits from developing, but if you want more but smaller ones let it grow. Generally anything that tries to set fruit from round about nowish (depending where in the country you are) might not make it to maturity due to frosts.

You're having a laugh  ........
sorry, but the squash & pumpkins are only just getting their 'boy' and 'girl' flowers at the same time about now, so I'd never get any fruit if that statement was correct. 

Oh, I'm drowning in courgettes, my jumbo pink banana's (2 plants) are taking over the plot and my Baby bears and Atlantic giants (2 plants of each, with probably 6+ fruits on each) range from tennis ball size to the size of a football.

I have found in the past if they aren't set and growing well by now then I rarely get any ripe ones (other than courgettes of course)

[DD.]

I also hope it's not true.

My pumpkins are only just setting now and I don't expect the butternuts to show until much later.

[radiohead]

I also hope it's not true.

My pumpkins are only just setting now and I don't expect the butternuts to show until much later.

Same here.

[stompy]

My pumpkins are only just setting now and I don't expect the butternuts to show until much later.

Im glad to hear it. 

My butternuts are about 3ft long now but still no flowers, they seemed to sulk for ages before getting going

[DD.]

They'll sit there for ages, then suddenly realise time's getting on and have panic towards autumn.

[bigben]

Some of mine have nothing but flowers and others have tennis ball size fruit so I hope they are going to do ok.

[JayG]

They'll sit there for ages, then suddenly realise time's getting on and have panic towards autumn.

My Winter Festival plants are currently very calm, very relaxed, and very small!