Squash Idea

[Rhona]

We have just been allocated our lovely allotment, and are making our plans! Half of the plot has been covered with old carpet etc. so should be fairly easy to get going on that bit. The other half is a bit weedy and grassy but nothing major. We probably should only need to use half the plot this year, but don't want the rest to go to waste.

After reading one of my back issues of GYO, I've got an idea to cover the weedy half of the plot with black plastic to kill off the weeds etc. and poke some holes through for pumpkins etc. If I fill some holes with compost, and rest any that manage to grow on top of the plastic, that seems like a good way of dealing with the weedy half but still kind of using it. What do you think? Would it work do you think?

[Hazel at the Hill]

We have just been allocated our lovely allotment, and are making our plans! Half of the plot has been covered with old carpet etc. so should be fairly easy to get going on that bit. The other half is a bit weedy and grassy but nothing major. We probably should only need to use half the plot this year, but don't want the rest to go to waste.

After reading one of my back issues of GYO, I've got an idea to cover the weedy half of the plot with black plastic to kill off the weeds etc. and poke some holes through for pumpkins etc. If I fill some holes with compost, and rest any that manage to grow on top of the plastic, that seems like a good way of dealing with the weedy half but still kind of using it. What do you think? Would it work do you think?

Sounds like a good idea, Rhona - just remember that trailing pumpkins are like triffids and the foliage grows at an incredible rate, so you wont need many even for half the plot!

I had one plant last year that took over a 4' by 15' bed and even then I was beating it back from the paths with a big stick.

[Alice]

I think it's a great idea Rhona. I hope you get great squash.

[scarey55]

Sounds like a plan to me Rhona. As Hazel said, they do tend to take over but they do make a yummy Pumpkin and sweetcorn soup.

I have loads of seeds saved from last year so PM me if you need any.

[Two_Sheds]

Trailing squash are fabulous for ground cover - you can have edible winter squashes as well as Hallowe'en carving pumpkins if you want

the black plastic will encourage slugs though -

[Sanjo]

Just a thought as I have never grown them but am interested. If you are growing through plastic with the subsequent pumpkin/squash growing above it will the pumpkin etc sit in water if it rains as the plastic will catch it? Or would you pierce the plastic around the pumpkin so that the water drains away into the bed. Or doesn't it matter anyway! Anyone know?

[Hazel at the Hill]

*note to self to check out pumpkin wine recipes for this year

[Hazel at the Hill]

Just a thought as I have never grown them but am interested. If you are growing through plastic with the subsequent pumpkin/squash growing above it will the pumpkin etc sit in water if it rains as the plastic will catch it? Or would you pierce the plastic around the pumpkin so that the water drains away into the bed. Or doesn't it matter anyway! Anyone know?

I'd put the growing pumpkin on a brick to raise it off the ground.

[Matt.]

I'd go with smaller varieties and plant more of them. Something like potimaron which you can keep and eat through the winter. The bigger pumpkin varieties need to lay down new roots from the main vine as they grow. Ideally you'd be earthing the vine over but as you're growing on plastic thats not possible. Smaller plants can get everything from the single tap root.

[Eyren]

Sounds like a great plan - I got hold of "The Allotment" on DVD last year, and the guy on that did exactly the same as part of a no-dig experiment on a new plot!

Hmm, methinks I shall have to watch it again, for inspiration...

[chocobed]

I did precisely this last year. Dug over a patch, topped it with a covering of stable manure and then topped the lot with black pvc sheeting. Poked through for a planting hole (atop a mound) and shoved a 2' length of grey downpipe at a 45 degree angle about 18" from the plant. The downpipe allows for extra watering/feed during the growing season. As two sheds said, the slugs enjoy the protection and the weeds with tap roots will still try to persist. I also used broken paving slabs to sit the fruit on but turned them daily to ensure an even amount of sun and to avoid a flat side!
This week I uncovered the soil and, apart froma couple of very yellow dandelion tops and a lot of slugs, the ground was perfectly clean and ready for raking over for this years plantings.
Good luck!

[Rhona]

That's brilliant everyone - thanks. I think we're going to give it a try, using some of your tips. T'would be lovely if it worked!

[Burnzie]

Hi Rhona, this is a great way to grow squash & pumpkins.

A few years ago I was short of time for spending on the lotty so covered a 5 mtr by 8 mtr patch with manure then thick black poly. I bought the Franchi mixed squash pack and planted 30 plants through the black poly.

The plants grew very well and we had a great time trying to identify the resulting crops. It was a major talking point on the site.

I put the great results down to the generous layer of manure and the black poly absorbing the suns heat. Copious amounts of water were needed however and the dense foliage did generate a slight mildew problem later into autumn.

We were so pleased with the results we have done the same every summer since.

good luck with yours

Burnzie

[Tori]

Ha excellent idea! Thats what I'm going to do with half of my lottie! Thank you

Saw an excellent recipie for pumpkin soup from Hugh FW
Chop off top and take out seeds, add grated mozerella until its a 1/3 full, top up wth double cream put the hat back on and bake for 40 mins. Then eat! Sounds lovely I will be trying that this year!

[chocobed]

Ha excellent idea! Thats what I'm going to do with half of my lottie! Thank you

Saw an excellent recipie for pumpkin soup from Hugh FW
Chop off top and take out seeds, add grated mozerella until its a 1/3 full, top up wth double cream put the hat back on and bake for 40 mins. Then eat! Sounds lovely I will be trying that this year!

OOoooh!! Must try that. I usually try to add recipes to my blog. Started to run out of ideas and wife's own recipes lol