Squash and courgette seedlings

[Lymmguineas]

I've tried growing both butternut squash and courgettes from seed this year but the results haven't been great.
Both seemed to take ages to germinate (in seed trays indoors) but I've ended up with some rather spindly looking seedlings about four inches tall with just one set of leaves.
Is it worth planting these out or should I buy some established plants from the garden centre?
Is it getting a little late to plant either the seedlings or the more established plant?
Any advice welcome.

[Yasai]

It's not too late to have another go at sowing seeds.You could put half the pots inside and the other half outside in a sheltered spot (to do away with having to harden them off). If they all germinate, it probably won't be too hard to find someone to take your spares. I would sow them in pots rather than seed trays though as they don't like their roots to be disturbed.

[Bigmallly]

Hello Lymmguineas & welcome to the Jungle, when sowing Squashes & Courgettes, sow them on their edge as opposed to flat to avoid rotting of the seeds.

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome to the Grapevine!
I sowed some butternut squash and courgette seeds last Monday and they've started to poke their little green heads out of the compost this weekend. Once they're up they don't take long to become large enough to plant out.

[Darthcider]

My squash seedlings were spindly and tall as well.
Was advised too warm and not enough light.

The stems have thickened up now and they are in the ground with half a dozen leaves and looking good.

[Jimmy]

Mouse had mine "again" so put them under a propagator cover and re-deployed little nipper.
Well it's not a little nipper it's a new fangled clone, pack of three.
My original little nipper disappear, fell into to the compost bin I think. It will appear eventually but loads of poking around didn't find it.
I will see they are as efficient as the original.
Jimmy

[Lymmguineas]

My squash seedlings were spindly and tall as well.
Was advised too warm and not enough light.

The stems have thickened up now and they are in the ground with half a dozen leaves and looking good.

That sounds about right for mine based on where I had them.
Thanks to everyone for the advice. As soon as it stops raining this week I will clear some more planting space and give the seedlings a go along with some more seeds.

[Paul 68]

sow direct

OK admittedly im in france (charrente) so the weather is different but over the past 7 years ive planted squash n courgets both in greenhouse n propagator and direct in finnal position after last risk of frost ( about 12 of may for me) very little gained by starting them early as they dont seam to takeoff untill the soils good n warm for the roots and the change of humidity levels seams to take adjustment time aswell, infact ive often had far stronger healthyer plants and better crops from the dirrect planted seed

[GreaterMarrow]

Well, most of my courgette and squash plants appear to have been uprooted in these strong winds so it looks like I'll be getting the propagator back out! Hopefully the new plants will be able to catch up.

[Florence Fennel]

Mine are about an inch high on the window sills in pots

[Jimmy]

I will see they are as efficient as the original.
Jimmy

Yes deployed three , one caught the culprit.
None last night thought.
Jimmy

[DWSmith]

I've tried growing both butternut squash and courgettes from seed this year but the results haven't been great.
Both seemed to take ages to germinate (in seed trays indoors) but I've ended up with some rather spindly looking seedlings about four inches tall with just one set of leaves.
Is it worth planting these out or should I buy some established plants from the garden centre?
Is it getting a little late to plant either the seedlings or the more established plant?
Any advice welcome.

What kind of light and how long per day? Spindly seedlings usually means not intense enough light or not long enough light exposure or both.

Is the one set of leaves the seed leaves or true leaves?

Set them outside for more light if they are inside now. Or get them planted in the garden. Or start over but use a lot more light.