Improvised cover for butternut squash!

[Seahorse]

I knew from reading around that butternut squash seem to do better in a greenhouse but I really don't have room, so I just planted mine out where and when I could, including two in an old wheelbarrow. I had a brainwave this weekend though and dug out an old pushchair rain sheild. Amazingly, it was pretty much exactly the right size and shape to cover the barrow I shall be very interested now to see how these squash do v. the ones that are unprotected!

Claire

[Alison]

I've never heard about the greenhouse thing as I've only ever grown them outside. Never had any problems in normal years but they are a bit iffy this year, don't think they swim well........

[Alice]

I grow them outside in the West of Scotland Seahorse. The weather hasn't been good but they seem to be getting on fine. It will be interesting to hear how you get on.

That's my squash in June. They're about 6 feet long now.

[Flummery]

You have a sort of 'cucurbit theatre' Alice, like the old auricula theatres but edible! I like the idea.

[Seahorse]

I love the way you've planted yours Alice! Mine are still only about the size of the two on the right though. Having seen the price of butternuts in Tesco this morning (�2.20 each!) I'm *really* hoping mine manage to produce something!

Claire

[veg4681]

Mine has improved in growth since the slight improvement we've had in the weather.

[tricia]

the slight improvement we've had in the weather.

.
Improvement? You must be joking . All my plants are stressed because they are waterlogged, in the ground and in the pots - and here in Torbay we did not get any flooding, just an awful lot of rain which seems to go on and on. We did get a sunny day yesterday though. The rain returned overnight and didn't let up till 10 am. Oh well - at least the water butts are full and I haven't had to top up the pond.

I have masses of male flowers on the squash plants; they are like chalices, full of water, so it's just as well there are no female flowers right now as the male stamens are sodden and there are too many of them to cover using your ingenious method S H.

Tricia

[Bren In Pots]

After reading this thread went out and examined my squashes.
Found ones got a fruit on, its about 2inch long

[mrs potato head]

What innovation, I just love the whole recycling thing.
Can't see why it shouldn't work l mean you can by plastic greenhouses that work ok.
My squash started in G/house have been outside for couple of months now, and not doing so well. Like you don't have enough room for them to have stayed inside.
Good luck.

[Alice]

You have a sort of 'cucurbit theatre' Alice, like the old auricula theatres but edible! I like the idea.

Flummery, I call this area of the garden the South Terraces. I grow my curcubits and outdoor toms there. It's south facing and very sheltered and I think the reflection from the white walls and gravel helps. Been struggling this year though, but getting there.

[Flummery]

Super resource - and it looks so nice with the pots spilling over too.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Beautiful pic, as ever, Alice.

[Headfry]

Alice, your pic is great and all looks lovely!
My plot in Oxfordshire has be quite dry of late, plants just stopped growing, cold, no sun, no rain.....until now, when we have had both sunshine and rain.
Stand back Sueie...watch those pumpkins grow! it seems like magic. they are getting huge by the day. Fantastic- at last :-)
It's July and I don't have a single ripe tomato???? or even one that is the right size for this time of year????
Oh well - win some, loose some!