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Growing squash with sweetcorn - some advice

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  • #1

    Growing squash with sweetcorn - some advice

    I've always wanted to grow squash (summer or winter) but didn't think I had the room .... until I read that it is often grown with sweet corn, crawling around underneath the corn's tall stems. Brilliant!!

    So, I am going to try this this year but just wanted some advice. Firstly, my 'corn' plots will be around 3m x 1m so how many squash plants would I need? (I'm guessing just 1). Also, (this sounds like a silly question), but where do I plant it? In the middle of the plot, or at one end? I assume it only spreads in one direction .... so how do I guarantee it crawls in the right direction?!!

    As a bonus question, can anyone recommend good varities? I am probably leaning towards a summer squash - I am in SE coastal UK, so mild/sunny summers with a fairly heavy, slightly acidic soil?
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  • #2
    Squash will generally grow towards the direction of most sun - i.e. South. So plant your squash on the North side of the bed.

    3 Metres is quite a spread, so you could get at least two squash plants in that bed (depending on how vigorous a variety you plant). Giant pumpkins are out of the question by the way

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    • #3
      squash plants are usually given a metre each: so you'd get 3 in a three metre bed. Are you going to eat that many courgettes though?
      How about one courgette (summer squash) and two winter ones
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        With regard to what direction they will go, I was told that you should take note of which side of the plant the first true leaf is, because it will run away from that. So mark on the pot the side where that first leaf is, and the opposite side is the direction it will grow in. When you plant out, orient the plant in the bed with that first leaf opposite the way you want it to go. It seemed to work last year for me with marrows.
        Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
        Endless wonder.

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        • #5
          Excellent responses, thanks. Thinking about it I will already have two courgette plants (which always do well) so maybe a couple of rambling winter squashes are in order. That way they can keep for the 'leaner' months.


          Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum

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          • #6
            Hi. i grow a lot of squash but im no expert. in the centre of each row i would plant two butternut and then force trail them to the end of each row by weaving through the corn and fixing in place every now and then with whatever you have handy. i didnt grow mine between corn but i did train them just to keep it tidy and avoid walking in the leaves..i used roof slate clips..you could probably use a paperclip? I beleive i had a pic on here somewhere with my trained melons???

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            • #7
              Originally posted by bretty666 View Post
              ... fixing in place every now and then
              I found some super-large metal staples in our 99p shop. There aren't any left now though
              All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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              • #8
                I bought 'winter festival' seeds this morning as all the butternut varieties on sale said 'bush forming' on the back, whereas these specified rambling vibes. Anyone tried them?


                Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

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                • #9
                  ........ or even 'vines'! (I like the idea of a rambling vibe though!)


                  Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

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