Author Topic: Growing Squash (Read 3347 times)

Floyd · « **on:** June 04, 2013, 03:59:34 pm »

I have always tried these in the Polytunnel and traing them up wires, however have not had many fruit (2)

Is it best outside and left trailing or is the polytunnel the way to go and maybe let them trail.

Many thanks

Greenerlife · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2013, 04:16:38 pm »

I sow mine in the greenhouse then move them outside and leave them completely alone to do as they will. Had an absolute glut of the things. God I was sick of squash soup...

Supposedly, the native indians in the states used to plant them in amongst the maize. not sure whether this was supposed to support them though, or just to lessen the digging!

Fleecewife · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2013, 04:51:37 pm »

I tried the North American thing of the three sisters - corn, climbing beans and squash. Didn't work for me

The beans tried to climb the corn but just ended up strangling the emerging cobs, and I couldn't get to anything because there were giant squash leaves everywhere. I tried dwarf beans which did better but were overwhelmed by the squash before they could produce beans.
I had to put in canes to support the climbing beans and the corn. The squash did quite like it. Now I give everything it's own space.
This was all in the polytunnel as none of those crops would grow outdoors where we live

Inside the tunnel I always have to hand pollinate squashes and courgettes even though there are often plenty of bees and insects.

Bert · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2013, 07:24:09 am »

I tried summer squash growing for the first time last year. Started off in the greenhouse then transplanted into a big container (half a mussel float) outside, and pretty much left to do what & go where he wanted. He produced very few flowers male or female and only one fruit.
I'm having another go this year with different conditions, but I'm not holding out much hope for the little fella he's still in a little pot at the moment because of house moving. Hope to get him planted today

HesterF · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2013, 12:34:08 am »

My pumpkins, squashes (turban and butternut) and gourds went out yesterday into my new pumpkin patch. Having said that, I've no idea whether they'll work - this is the first time I've tried them in this climate (but they worked outside in Switzerland!),

H

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2013, 01:19:04 am »

I grow mine outside in containers of rotting manure with a little potting compost in the top. I've had some enormous pumkins before now. The biggest weighed over 40lbs

and the courgettes grow like mad.

ladyjanefarmer · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2013, 03:46:49 pm »

I as usual have got too many pumpkins, to grow in a container would solve that problem. What size container do you use I have a mountain of well rotted manure.

HesterF · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2013, 10:51:10 pm »

As big as you can manage, I guess. Or just feed them regularly. I've only grown courgettes in tubs and they went well in normal patio sized containers. Have you no space to make a new bed? Probably easier in the long run.

H