Slow Growing Butternut Squash!

VegGrower

Hi, I was wondering if someone may be able to help me, I have a butternut squash in the garden that I planted in March as a seedling, but it's hardly grown at all since then! I put a cloche over it recently in case it's not warm enough, but is there anything else I should be doing?! Thanks in advance for your help.

Sally_A

Me too! courgettes and squashes seem extremely tardy this year. As do all cucurbits.

VegGrower

Ah! Thanks for your reply, that's a shame that they're all a bit slow, but I do feel slightly better that I'm not the only one! Been a lurker on here for a while and got some useful advice, so nice to be part of the team now!

gazza975526570

Now the weather has finally warmed up you should see some good growth now on

VegGrower

Thanks! It's very hot here today so I'm still optimistic of some squash from them, perhaps I will start them a little earlier next year. Courgettes are looking a little better, although I did rescue them from a friend where they had been a shade neglected! I garden in hope

TonyMMM

Butternut squash need a long growing season to fruit well....problem is it is isn't often warm enough early in our season. March was very early for them to be out unprotected. Next year, keep them covered with the cloche from when you plant out for as long as you can ....sounds like this one got badly checked by the cold. Also make sure you choose one of the variteies recommended for the UK.

May still perk up and produce something though.

VegGrower

Will definitely keep it inside longer next year, or cover when it's planted out. If only I had a greenhouse! It's looking fairly green, so I'm hoping that keeping it warmer will be enough. I read on here that someone put bottles of water near the plants so that they heat up during the day and release heat to the plant at night, perhaps I'll give that a go.

pinkcandyflossprincess

mine didnt seem to grow so i stopped fussing them, they seem a lot happier now:o

a1cat

Give them a decent feed

VegGrower

Before they've started flowering? I've got some tomato feed, would that be ok?

a1cat

Perfect