... and here is the news ...

[allotment_chick]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeee-ha!  Couldn't resist sharing - all produce for this year now in and finally I've got a bit of space in the back garden.  Planted out the leeks and the last of the butternut squash today! All I have to do now is whisper sweet nothings to them and watch them grow .....  ;)

Do you suppose there might be a chance now to re-dig the strawberry patch to get the thistles out, prepare the base and move the shed on No.2 plot, make that bench for the lottie, get some manure in, dig some more marestail out...

AC x

[allotment_chick]

[feet of clay]

I've grown butternut squash for the first time and have been trying to persuade them to climb (cos they have tendrils) but they don't seem too keen.  Should they just spread themselves about?

[allotment_chick]

Hi
This is my first year to try them growing upwards too.  I'm trying to train them up some robust net-type fencing by weaving them in and out until they get the idea.  I have to agree though - they seem much keener to go along the ground!!  

Others here grow them vertically - on netting rather than canes so that the tendrils have plenty of bits to grab onto.  I figure it must be do-able.... perhaps we just need patience?  ;)
AC