Butternut Squash

[pumpkin grower]

Can anyone please help i have sowed several butternut squash now they all seem to germinate but then after a few days they just seem to curl up anjd die or just grow very slowly what am i doing wrong i sow them in a propigator and then keep them indoors but i have had little or no sucess

HELP!!!

[Sue]

Hi
There should still be time to try again. Usually squash are very vigorous seedlings, they grow inches in a day.
If they seemed to start off well then perhaps it's too hot/too cold? The compost too dry or too wet? Have they got enough light? Or if it's none of these things is the seed old?
There's still plenty of time to have another go.
At the moment I've got mine in an unheated propagator with the cover on (but would have this off if I didn't have cats.... They are in fibre pots which are easy to keep an eye on for moisture levels.
More advice should be along any minute...
Sue

[Alison C]

Perhapse they are too hot.
I had mine on my bedroom windowsil which is the warmest room in the house in a pot of seed compost and just watered them every morning, as soon as they had second leaves they went downstairs to the extention which is the the coldest room in the house and they are now on the windowsil doing very well and the temp is currently 16.6 degrees C. I dont think my bedroom is more than 19 degrees C.
Do they have good access to light?

[Flummery]

Maybe they're not ready for it yet? Mine are still in the packet - and will be till the beginning of May. They are tender vegetables and can't be put out till after all threat of frost is past - so maybe try again in a couple of weeks?

[rustylady]

My best suggestion is that you're keeping the compost too wet. I've never had any problems with squash seedlings until they get planted out, then you're at the mercy of the weather. Once they germinate, remove from the propogator and keep them in good light, frost free (not too warm) and don't overwater or the roots will rot.

[mclarenpitcrew]

I think I agree with Flummery. Too early. Mine are still snuggled up in the packet and wont see daylight for a while yet.