Topic: Summer Squash

[Doris_Pinks]

Am growing summer squash for the first time this year, (pattypan etc, actually don't know the other names as they came in a mystery mix!) do they sprawl, and if so would I be able to grow them upwards on a frame?  Thanks Dottie P.

[tim]

Do they SPRAWL!!!!
I'm severely rationing daughter on ground space this year. If she produces 25 plants, she wants to get them all in. Many are still-life subjects for her art pupils. I can get a year's supply of onions, shallots & garlic in the space she uses to produce her pretty things.

There's been a lot on frames just recently - & back a bit - might have been on the beeb? - which is closed for 2 days. The answer is YES, PLEASE! = Tim

[Doris_Pinks]

Thanks Tim, your answer made me smile ;D  I grow most of my winter squashes upwards anyhow, so I guess the summers are going the same route!!!  More construction on site ahead! Thank you  DP

[john_miller]

Many summer squashes are large bushes rather than vining types. Patty Pan is the biggest for me, getting perhaps 1 1/2 m long- and that is harvesting baby squash which encourages vegetative growth.

[kingkano]

When you grow butternuts etc up a frame do you need to support the fruits????

ken

[Doris_Pinks]

Never had to Kingkano, they have always supported themselves! The stem seems to increase with the size of the fruit.The beauty about growing upwards, is no slug damage from lying on the ground!! (the idea came from Mel Bartholomew, who is known overseas as the square foot gardener!)   Quite an interesting site, if anyone is interested,  http://www.squarefootgardening.com/  Though I find the book more informative than the website!
DP

[budgiebreeder]

 ::)Hey !Dottie P dont do that !You know i cant resist good gardening books.One for me and one for my son.I'll never be rich.