Something has hollowed out my squash

[Baldy]

Luckily only one (so far) - the squash looked a lovely deep orange lying on the ground - but on closer inspection it had been hollowed out from the tip right down to the base.
Any ideas what might have done it? I'm guessing its either mice or slugs - though there were no slug trails to see. Don't think the UK gets squash vine borer?

Cheers.

[Jungle Jane]

Could you have a look tonight or add a beer trap nearby? If it was slugs they'l be back & there's some large slugs about now,especially after all that squash? If there's no slugs around the plant,it isn't slugs

[Guest]

Don't forget squirrels but I don't know if they have a liking for squash. I used to leave apples out for them as a kid as I found it fascinating how they would leave the core and most of the skin intact but eat the flesh. Still doesn't help your poor ole squash much- sorry

[craftymarie]

I see slugs doing this with my squash all the time - luckily there is enough squash maturing to not worry about it. They tend to go for the smaller and softer ones. Caught one right inside munching away a few days back - just a hole and the rest of the squash skin was intact. So it could be slugs or something else.

If slugs, you can often catch them in the act early in the mornings. It put me right off the fad idea of eating the pretty looking courgette/squash flowers since I often see 2 or 3 slugs slithering over each one.

[Lumpy]

Blame the Spanish slugs...........they have migrated from here to you!

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Yeah! My guessing behind this too is the dreaded "Slug" although I don't grow squashes myself as none of us like them, but actuallly brinking on doing "Spegetti Squash" next year as they look interesting!

[sparrow100]

I'd bet on rats. They take squashes on my friend's site so ripeish specimens get removed pronto. Are there teeth marks?

[Baldy]

No teeth marks that I could see. Only one hit by whatever did it - I think it most likely slugs getting in to a squash that had some damage. The victim's big brother was fine...



I'm doubting myself - could it be a marrow... - no I'm getting better at labeling plants... its a cucurbit for sure though...
We have mice on site so I think that means we haven't got rats?
Big 'orrible orange slug buggers is my bet...

[Scarlet]

Rats..... .

[Baldy]

Wouldn't rats rip through the skin too? Other than the tip the skin looks fine - if I'd been 'relaxing' at the plot with the odd bevvy I might not have noticed the lack of weight and got into serious trouble when Mrs Balders came to do her squash curry!!! - it looked perfect from a foot away.

[sparrow100]

No teeth marks that I could see. Only one hit by whatever did it - I think it most likely slugs getting in to a squash that had some damage. The victim's big brother was fine...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]68887[/ATTACH]

I'm doubting myself - could it be a marrow... - no I'm getting better at labeling plants... its a cucurbit for sure though...
We have mice on site so I think that means we haven't got rats?
Big 'orrible orange slug buggers is my bet...

north georgia candy roaster? It looks the same as mine. Which I am now going to check tomorrow morning in case I have the same problem!

[Baldy]

If only I had time to blog what / where / when I planted I wouldn't have to spend all my time failing to work out what I planted where?

Actually 'Nihilist North Devon Allotment' might attract a few..

(until they see the state of my plot)

[Baldy]

I did buy a few unusual squash this year - for the life of me can't recall the names but 'north georgia candy roaster' wasn't one of 'em.

(Note to self - must try harder generally as well as squash specifically

[sparrow100]

pink banana squash? I'm not giving in. I have my copy of Amy Goldman's 'The Compleat Squash' next to me and am leafing through...

[Baldy]

; )

it'll be a mis-labelled courgette that has turned into a marrow... I'll see if I can figure it out in the morning.