Anyone know what this is

[CarolineSonning]

Hi all,
I came across 4 strong seedlings growing in my compost heap from discarded pips/seeds. They looked very healthy so I planted them up. They are now getting pretty big but I'm still not sure what they are.
Any ideas?

[Slug]

The second picture looks like some kind of squash perhaps? Couldn't tell you what though as it looks a bit like my pumpkin, but my butternut squash looked the same last year too....

That's my suggestion...!

[blackkitty]

I would say its some kind of pumpkin, squash or marrow.

[Lesley Jay]

You are right Slug. Either courgette, squash, pumpkin or marrow.

[CarolineSonning]

Thanks for those suggestions.
I had hoped that it was a butternut squash, but it was looking more and more like my cucumbers.
If it is a squash do you think it might produce fruit?

[Lesley Jay]

It should do. It looks as if there is a flower bud on it.

[pickledtink]

Exciting! The most fun is seeing what mystery plants you get out of the compost. I hope you'll keep us informed. As you're in Berkshire there's plenty of time before the frost for it to fruit. Looks like a winter squash and a trailer so has probably come from Butternut but you could get anything as they're all cross bred. Those leaves look dark and blueish so you might get a Crown Prince. Yumm......

[nick the grief]

Ever see the little shop of horrors ?

[snohare]

ROTFL
If it needs frequent feeding or sings, I'd say find a power outlet !

[Slug]

It doesn't look like cucumber, and I don't think it's courgette either (not comparing it to my courgette anyway) as it looks like it's running along/trailing. I think you've either got butternut squash or some sort of pumpkin.

Have you been eating butternut squash and putting the seeds in the compost? If so.... perhaps you got lucky and you've a butternut squash plant

[dexterdoglancashire]

Yum yum!

Hi Caroline - if they are squash, and you want a super recipe to use them up - go to in the kitchen, season to taste, super recipe. Squash and carrot casserole - its my favourite way of using squash and is delicious! dexterdog

[CarolineSonning]

Thanks dexterdoflancashire, I'll check that out if it does fruit .

[CarolineSonning]

Exciting! The most fun is seeing what mystery plants you get out of the compost. I hope you'll keep us informed. As you're in Berkshire there's plenty of time before the frost for it to fruit. Looks like a winter squash and a trailer so has probably come from Butternut but you could get anything as they're all cross bred. Those leaves look dark and blueish so you might get a Crown Prince. Yumm......

I've definitely had butternut squash and the seeds did go in the compost. It didn't even occur to me that they might be viable (not sure why not ).
Really looking forward to any fruit they might produce .

[CarolineSonning]

No power required as my singing would kill it off no problem

[Slug]

I've had butternut squash seeds germinating while INSIDE the butternut squash that I bought in the supermarket! I'd say they'll definitely grow in the compost if given the right conditions!

My compost bin is boring.... it just composts everything very well.... no exciting mystery plants for me