squash

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Permalink Reply by Gary on July 3, 2009 at 3:21pm

I shouldn't think you would need to cover them now Chas. They sound big enough to look after themselves.

Gaz.

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Permalink Reply by Rain on July 3, 2009 at 6:13pm

How are your squash plants doing now Charlie?

This year I planted, crook neck, straight neck, zucchini, butternut and acorn squash. (I like squah can you tell? lol) Some were starter plants that I set out, (uncovered) and some were seeds that I planted directly in the earth. ~ Both methods seem to be equal here in growth & yield. (NC, USA)

Last year in a different location of my yard I had a problem with bloom end rot on the yellow squash. This year, that seems to be going better. perhaps moving that bit of garden to another brighter location has helped. ~ Overall though, my squash yield seems to be very low in relation to the number of plants I have. Any ideas to increase the crop?

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Permalink Reply by Gary on July 3, 2009 at 7:26pm

Blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency. Without calcium, a plant's cell walls collapse and die, resulting in the bruised appearance of the fruits. Plants take up calcium from the soil through their roots, so if it's dry, the calcium stays locked in the soil and the plant suffers. Acid soils always have low levels of calcium. If treated early, later fruits will go on to ripen successfully. The problem can also be triggered by applying fertiliser to dry soil.

It could be that you just had a bad year for squashes the previous year. Last year here in the UK I did rather well but other on the same plot didn't do anywhere near as myself so who can tell?

keep us informed of how they perform this year.

Gaz.

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Permalink Reply by rhona on July 22, 2009 at 1:03am

How are your squashes doing now - mine are taking over the garden - but if we get a pumpkin for halloween it will be worth it! Got some beautiful yellow flowers. Did you do the three sisters planting? I did some in half a toilet roll tube planting the three seeds together so that they can easily be planted straight into the ground. Love having a mixed up garden. Plant by the moon, mix it up with a few companions, plant out permaculture style. Have beans growing up the plum tree & the rose bush. Tayberry grows happily into the bay tree whilst there is a raspberry cane growing with the roses courtesy of the neighbours. Will have to build some beds on the shed rooves next year.

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