Butternut squash.

comping_cat

Ive got some butternut squash growing in a patio container, and they have lovely big leaves, and are starting to take over!!! How do i know when they are actually ready? I dont want to start digging around and find they are not ready, and damage them!

Oh, ive also dried some seeds from a shop bought B/S and planted them, and they are now growing well, so hopefully will have a nice haul of them later in the year!!

SEE

catowen wrote: »

Ive got some butternut squash growing in a patio container, and they have lovely big leaves, and are starting to take over!!! How do i know when they are actually ready? I dont want to start digging around and find they are not ready, and damage them!

???????? Butternut squash develop on the surface, not underneath like spuds:A

nodwah

have you got flowers? The fruits start developing behind the flowers where you can see a little swelling (ooh ERR). Keep feeding the plants and watch out for slugs and they'll be ready augst /sept/oct depending on the weather - you can't miss em.

comping_cat

Oopps - i didnt realise they grew above ground (im sure the original packet didnt say that!!)
Nothing showing yet, loads of lovely leaves but will look out for flowers and any swelling!!!

Thank you both!

~Chameleon~

I notice you said you've got them growing in a container. Once the squashes develop they are going to become very heavy on the plant and need extensive support. Anything like squashes, melons, pumpkins etc I think are better off grown along the ground rather than upright, if that makes sense? I also find it easier to grow my courgettes like that too, unless I'm very short of space for them.

comping_cat

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

I notice you said you've got them growing in a container. Once the squashes develop they are going to become very heavy on the plant and need extensive support. Anything like squashes, melons, pumpkins etc I think are better off grown along the ground rather than upright, if that makes sense? I also find it easier to grow my courgettes like that too, unless I'm very short of space for them.

Do you think i could re plant them in the ground now, they are only leaves at the mo (very big, and lots of them) no sign of any 'swelling' - i wouldnt want to kill them!!

SEE

catowen wrote: »

Do you think i could re plant them in the ground now, they are only leaves at the mo (very big, and lots of them) no sign of any 'swelling' - i wouldnt want to kill them!!

I'd leave them alone, they sound healthy and happy:T My butternut are in a container, I've planted 6 in a black 140 litre pot and water everyday.

allaboutliverpool

You should get all the information that you need from :-

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_squash_butternut.html