Topic: do pumpkins and squash need netting?

[elvis2003]

hi all knowledgable types! the subject matter says it all...about to put our seedlings in the ground,they are currently in the greenhouse,should i net them or will they be ok without...also,do i need to protect them in any other way,from pests,birds or anything? all responses gratefully recieved,love rach

[betula]

I have not grown these so not much of an expert but I don't think you have to net them.I know people support them on straw or stone to keep them clean and undamaged by the soil.An expert will be along soon. ;D

[elvis2003]

thank you so much for your reply betula,and thats great news as we are netting things with tubing so far,looking forward next year to one big veg cage,so thats good  that we dont have to net the pumpkins,i wonder if courgettes are the same....i love this site,as you get so much more hands on advice,that you just dont get from books,no matter how many you read!
thanks again and i wish you good growing luck this season xxxxxx

[manicscousers]

we put ours on a mound to stop neck rot and a cut off 2 ltr bottle sunk next to them, water and feed goes in the bottle  ;D

[GodfreyRob]

Birds don't often go for pumpkins, etc - but it does depend a bit on what else is available for them to eat!
Slugs will damage the seedlings if they come across them - keep an eye out and if you see any damage put down (organic) slug pellets or some other trapping device ASAP.

[elvis2003]

thankyou oh wise ones!
manics,whats the point of the bottle feeding thing? thanks in advance x

[manicscousers]

hiya, just means the feed and water get to the roots, rather than on the ground, drying out  :)

[Doris_Pinks]

As GodfreyRob says, slugs love em!
I do the same as Manics and water through a bottle or sunken big plant pot. Best to stick a cane or something in it though, as when they grow like mad, I often loose the bottle! ;D
I also grow a lot of my squash upwards, so I do use netting for them to climb! ;D ;)

[manicscousers]

to climb up, we use 'rustic' frames, made of hazel  ;D

[Doris_Pinks]

Ohhhhh  I loves a bit of rustic meself! ;D  Can't seem to get my hands on any hazel round here. :(

[manicscousers]

luckily, we grow one for the nuts, now started cutting sticks from it  ;D

[THE MASTER]

somthing is taking a liking to my marrows cucumbers and pumkins.
 holes are being pecked away on the fruit. sid the bigest pumkin has had his bottom all eaten away but still seems to be doing well. going by the marks on veg looks like it could be rat , but the holes are near on top so im thinking squirels . but not rulling out pigieons