summer squash & butternut squash

[Crystalmoon]

Hi everyone, Ive grown some summer squash & butternut squash from seeds & am about to transfer them to my allotment...I cant find the seed packets so dont know how far apart to space them any advice most welcome.

Also should I plant through black membrane to keep the weeds down?
And does anyone place anything under the actual squash fruits (dont know what else to call them) to keep them off the damp ground to help prevent rotting etc?
Thanks  ;D 

[Crystalmoon]

[antipodes]

This year I have planted the courgettes in a lasagna bed made of a cardboard base covered with layers of grass cuttings, manure, compost and they are going great guns! The only weed that seems to pierce through is the dreaded bindweed.
Although the top layer seems quite dry, underneath it is cool so I am guessing quite moist. This is probably advantageous for stopping squash rotting.
big advantage is no digging, in half an hour your bed is up and planted  ;)

[manicscousers]

our squash go in a 3'square, we dig a pit, fill with rotted muck/compost, mound the soil back up, put weed suppressant down, cut a cross, plant through the soil, 'plant' a 2ltr pop bottle bottom cut off , upside down, next to it..they sem to like it  ;D

[realfood]

Have a look at this page from my web site. http://www.growyourown.info/page127.html
You can then navigate via the link to the Butternut page.

[OllieC]

realfood, out of interest, are you trying to increase traffic to your site? Just curious, but an awful lot of your responses point there! Could be that there's no point in typing everything twice!

I'm just being nosey really!

[Crystalmoon]

Thanks Antipodes & manicscousers both these methods really interest me, maybe I will try both  ;D

[realfood]

Dear OllieC,
It does cut down on retyping the information and suggestions, and it also provides the photos which I have already put onto the web.

[Squashman]

I grow up to 35 different varieties of Squash. I have planted squash plants through black polly, but have found over the period of time that planting 30" apart, a bit closer than recommended, cuts down on weeding. I grow my plants in root trainers, plant them out and water in. I seldom water after that.
I weed around the plants untill they become established and then the broad leaf of the plant does the rest, keeps the ground shaded thereby retaining moisture and suppressing the weeds. Although last year was a bad seasoin for squash I am still eating rolet and queensland blue grown then. The previous year was an excellent season, very large Turks Turban, Pyjamas, Blue ballet etc, and they kept for almost 12 months.
regards
Squash Man

[allaboutliverpool]

I have had a look at Realfoods squash site. He does not recommend growing them, but if you look at my page, you will see how easy it is, even in the North of England!

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

[manicscousers]

hiya, squashman, welcome to the site  ;D
sounds like you like squash

[Crystalmoon]

Thanks for the link allaboutliverpool, really helpful  ;D

Hi there Squashman do you have a blog detailing your sqaush growing experiences? I would be really interested if you do  ;)
I have been thinking about growing alot more squash next year as I do love all the varieties I have tried & many keep so well...also to buy organic squash is mega expensive  :o even at my local farmers market.
Where do you find the seedll the different varieties you mention (i havent heard of these before)?
Thanks

[Squashman]

Try Tozers for Squash seed, I buy several types from them, others I acquired during my travels around the globe, and some are sent by friends.
I sell quite a lot of squash when ready, also compiled a recipe handout (recipes from around the globe) which I handout.
regards
Squashman 

[Jeannine]

I know this an old posting but I just came across it.. Crystalmoon if you still need names of suppliers I can give you several  that I deal with. Squash are my passion in  the garden as most folks know, I currently have 180 varieties and feel sure I can point you  to a retailer if you still need one. Sorry I didn't answer before but I was offline when this post went on.

XX Jeannine

[pjb]

Hi all,

not wishing to highjack someone elses thread, but Jeannine I'd be very interested in a list of suppliers if poss.
Thanks.

[Jeannine]

You are not hijacking hun..

Mt first thought would be Baker Creek in the US, excellent supplier, Jere the owner is very responsible and they have very high ratings in the seed commumity.

He keeps avery good selection of squash with an online catalogue ,ships fast, prices are good.

Be 100% confident with him and don't worry co he is in the US, poatage is no more than T&M and prices  for seeds are cheaper.

I have given this name to many UK folks who are delighted with him.

Company is called
                                                   www.rareseeds.com

Take a look and get back to me if you need any help choosing.

XX Jeannine

[pjb]

Yikes!!! I had  a look at the Reel Seeds site, 109 varieties to choose from, I only want 4 or so, some head scratching to be done........