Squashes

[selfheal]

Hi Guys,

Just looking for a bit of advice on my 'rolet' squash plants. (small tennis ball shaped/sized fruits)

Ive got 5 small plants at the moment (just one or 2 proper leaves) in pots in the greenhouse. I had planned to grow them in the greenhouse, probably in grow bags, however im not sure this is the right thing to do?!?

I dont have any space left for them in my raised beds, but i may have some patio space for them.

what does everyone suggest as the best way to grow them?

also one of the plants has 2 small yellow spots on one of the leaves- its not a major problem at the moment, but whats causing it?

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Selfheal. I don't know the particular variety of squash you mention. As for the yellow spots - well I've got freckles - what's that about.
Plants are like people. Their complexion is not always perfect. Probably nothing sinister going on there.
As for growing them in the greenhouse - well - don't know the variety, but, squash are ok outdoors once frost is past and they are hardened off.
They do sprawl, so you can plant them in the ground, or in a pot, and let them ramble. But they do like to be well fed and watered.
Do let us know how you get on with them.

[queen of the cobs]

I'd have thought they would need more space than a growbag in the greenhouse. My butternuts last year grew to over 20 feet (and with side shoots too). But I don't know this variety so you may be ok - perhaps someone else can come along who is more knowledgable.

[Demeter]

Criminy! Can you pinch out growing tips or something to keep the plant a bit more under control? We've two butternut squashes and they're going to have to share a space about 6 feet square with about 25 sweetcorn plants!

[Alice]

Hello Demeter, my butternuts didn't get as big as that - maybe just about 12 feet. You can train them round in a circle to occupy less space and you can pinch them out to keep them shorter. Hope it works well for you.

[Demeter]

Hello Demeter, my butternuts didn't get as big as that - maybe just about 12 feet. You can train them round in a circle to occupy less space and you can pinch them out to keep them shorter. Hope it works well for you.

Thanks, that's very reassuring!