[jmc1949]

I have 7 patty pan squashes in a 12 inch raised bed which are coming along nicely. Would I needed to protect them from birds, rabbits, mice etc, as I have noticed that something has nibbling the lower flower heads off some of my courgettes.  It could be slugs on the courgettes but so far nothing has touched the patty pan squash.

[Agatha]

Voles were a problem with my squash last year (patch is rabbit proof) so it might be worth taking action before the mice cause any damage.  This year the slugs destroyed my 3 successive sowings of squash plants so as there are no squash, I don't have to worry about protecting them (is this called looking on the bright side?!!!)

[jmc1949]

Thanks Agatha, will protect with netting. We have a stream running at the back of our plots  but hadn't thought about the voles.

[Agatha]

Mine got so cheeky last year, they would sit in the middle of the patch, clutching a strawberry or a chunk of carrot in their paws & just keep munching.  Would have looked very cute if it wasn't MY crops they were eating!!!