pumpkins/squashes

[sleepyowl]

I have good topsoil on industrial rubble which if I would have to dig down 5 foot to get to the solid concrete layer to remove, but as I said good topsoil, I would use some kind of manure or a good compost or mixture of both on heavy clay. You can always screen against the wind with bamboo canes or thick dowling & large pieces of polythene so if you know anyone who has had any new appliances or furniture try & salvage the plastic. You will need to cut a couple os slashes in it though or it will blow over.

[Captain Caveman]

I grew Unwins Invincible
I was attracted by the picture of purple skin, then disappointed when it turned out grey/green
I planted them direct into a trailer load of well rotted manure, as others suggest and they took over the world. From 5 plants I had 18 pumpkins, some over 6kg!
The flesh was really tasty and I've still got 3 bigguns to use. I will use them again

I grew butternut the same way but had a very poor yield in comparison. Its just too cold and wet in the UK for them

[chadspad]

I had no luck from 20 butternut squash seeds last year but my potimarrons were also excellent. I think theyre the best tasting of all the squashes.

[Odsox]

I usually grow only the one butternut and get about 15 - 20 squash from it, but that is in my polytunnel.
This though I am going to grow Potimarron instead ... only have room for one ! I hope I share your opinion that they taste better.

[The Riff-Raff Element]

I'm growing potimaron this year and these.....



I am led to believe they are highly superior in the kitchen. Normally I grow standard butternut, but fancied a change.

[Millymollymandy]

I'm not growing pumpkins at all this year as I'm sick of the sight of them! Got about 10 butternuts rotting in the cellar.

[Mal]

Trying those Japanese squashes - Ichuri something. Hang on... Uchiki Kuri. On the vague hope that because they're used to Japanese weather they might do something if we have another summer like last year.

[Captain Caveman]

Pumpkin seeds?

I have just opened and cooked a pumpkin (invincible) from last year with good seeds. If I take a seed and plant it straight off without drying it, will it germinate, or is the drying essential prior to germination?

I know the see will probably not produce the same fruit, especially as they were planted in a bed with butternut, but it might be interesting to see what does come.

So can it germinate??

[Millymollymandy]

I guess the answer to that is - try it and see! (as I don't know the answer)

[lsm1066]

Anyway, wondered if it was just a crap year or whether there are varieties people have found more successful in these conditions.

Although I'm in Lincolnshire (so theoretically colder) the commercial growers here all had a hard time being ready in time for October. So I reckon it was just a crap year. Give it another go, and I'll join you.

Lynne