Advice on butternut squash

[sleepyowl]

I'm growin these for the first time from seed that I scooped out of an organic butternut squash, I do have seedlings but theyseem to be growing slower than the courgettes which are almost ready to be planted out. Is this normal? Is there any other advice on growing them that you could give me?

[Carltonian Man]

Butternuts can take a while to get going but once they do they're like triffids. They're very hungry plants so when planting, if possible dig a hole about a cubic foot and fill it with stable muck or good home made compost. Skim the top back over with soil to retain moisture but leave the whole thing with a reasonable depression in the centre which will not only assist with watering but will help to protect the young plant from wind damage (you can also ridge the soil up round the edge to slow the wind). Also mark the planting hole with a reasonable length stick so that when the plant is running amok over your bed you can see where the roots are and aim your watering can more accurately. Some folk pinch the growing tips off at three fruits. Good luck with them, hope this helps.

[sleepyowl]

Thanks it does, how far apart do I need to grow them?

[The Riff-Raff Element]

I plant about a metre apart, but, to be honest, they trail everywhere so they always end up being a sort of living mulch for the tomatoes or whatever. The most common commercial variety is "Ultra" which is a hybrid strain, so what you get from your saved seed might not be similar to the one you bought, but what the heck?

[Carltonian Man]

I'd go with planting a metre apart too but expect them to ramble anywhere from 3 to 6 metres.

[sleepyowl]

ok thanks