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| Name |
Squashes |
| Price |
Available on Request |
| Aspect | Prefer full sun in a sheltered site |
| Care | You should prepare the soil a week in advance of planting, adding 2.5cm/1inch of well rotted manure. On planting they should be protected from wind and cold with cloches, and watered as necessary. When they get bigger, remove the cloche. You should stabilise them by putting soil at several points along the vine; this will also cause the plant to anchor by encouraging it to produce roots at these points. Mulch to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Be careful when cultivating surrounding soil, as shallow roots extend for around 1.2m/4ft. You need to pollinate the flowers (especially if in a greenhouse where bees cannot get in.) Flowering and fruit production normally occurs between 1st and 20th July. The male flowers are produced first, followed by the female flowers which are on short stems, ovules are stored behind the flower, in a shape that resembles a small green squash. Cross pollination is preferable (using the male flowers from another plant to pollinate the female flowers) though it is not essential. You should pick the male flowers and rub their pollen against the stigma (in the middle of the female flower). 3-4plants should be allowed to grow on each plant. You need to protect them with fleece if temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius. Harvest as soon as they are an edible size, they will store well for 6-12months, is stored in an airy place. |
| Uses | -Useful in pickles, chutneys and even wine making (apparently!)
-Trailing varieties can look attractive trained up a strong support such as a pergola or archway
-can be grown underneath beans (which will provide shelter for pumpkins), as a weed suppressant ground cover.
-Easy plant to grow |
| Description | Squashes are easy to grow, and their flesh is delicious as a roasted vegetable, they can also be mashed like potatoe. They have a slightly sweet flavour. |
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