butternut squash advice

[jayjaybee]

I have butternut squash, Hunter, growing well and it has several baby squasnhes. Now, normally in previous years I have let the plants wend their way all over the plot, but I wondered if perhaps I ought to pinch out the tip after a few fruits have formed to encourage ripening. Any thoughts from the vine?

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

I am also after similar advice. I have 2 plants trapsing off everywhere. One has an excellent specimen on it and the other has 2 forming. I know I probably can't expect more than 4 or 5 off a plant - but I would like both plants to get on with the job

Same goes for my pumpkin that has travelled futher than me this summer!

[Vince G]

Grown squash last 3 years and have never "stopped" them. However, thinking about it, it might not be a bad plan. I limit my melons to 3 or 4 fruit per vine to ensure I get some decent ones, so why not squash too, they're all curcubits after all. Why not experiment.....leave 1 plant to do its thing and stop another, removing all but 4 or 5 fruit. Then you can tell us all what to do nex year please!

[jayjaybee]

Thanks Vince
I think you might be right. The reasoning behing the stopping was the same as mine. I only have one plant but will investigate to see if I have twofruiting 'arms' and stop one and let the other go. I do have a separate plant in a very small cold frame (mad idea in hindsight) and don't think it has fruit. David may have enough plant to experiment more successfully.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

TY Vince, if it stops raining for long enough I might go and have a proper examination of my plants and try this.