saving squash/ pumpkin seeds

[laura G]

I know i am asking this question really early, but it has been bugging me for a while now.
I want to save seeds from my pumpkins/ squash/ courgettes this year and i know that they cross pollinate within the same group, i thought about growing only one variety per group, but i cannot guarantee that nobody else around me is growing the same type so i have been looking on internet to see about controlling the pollination myself so i now know that i should chose a male and a female flower before they open cover them and then pollinate them by hand when they open, then keep the female flower covered until it dies off. But what i want to know is what am i supposed to cover the flowers with? i assume it would need to be something that the light and air can get through but pollinating insects cant? Any ideas, anybody even done this?

Thanks Laura

PS hope this all makes sense!!  ::)

[laura G]

[Suzanne]

I think this is when everyone shouts..........JEANNINE!!!!

She knows all about squash and I am sure she will pick this up for you soon.

I am lucky in that i save seed only from one squash ploant a year and make sure that one is grown in isolation - but then there are only two plots at lottie 1 and the other plot holder doesn't like or grow squash at all.

[Jeannine]

Ok, I am here, give me a minute for the loo LOL

[Jeannine]

Right

Need to be 1/4 mile away from anyone elses. OR different families.

If you want to save seeds are do not fall into the above you still can by doing the following.  You need to hand pollinate.



1. Identify the male and female flowers..girls have a wee tiny squash  or swelling at the base of the flower, the lads are thin and straight.

2.Take a look at your patch late afternoon or early evening and identify those flowers that will open the next day. They are  a good yellow colour and are not very tight at the tip.  Be careful you don't confuse them with the limp ones that have already been pollinated by insects. If in doubt keep an eye on them for a few days and watch for a flower that is getting ready.

3.You have to stop the chosen flower opening before anything gets at it  first thing in the morning  so you need to secure it .

4. Tape it, use water proof masking tape, put it carefully and securely round the tip of the blossoms...OR make a little bag out of cheesecloth or row cover, but not anything heavy.

5. Bag a few female blossoms and a few male, I prefer to bag especially for the girls but taping is OK for the guys. Protect 3 males to each female if you can.

6. Go to the plot as early as you can as pollen goes off quite quick. Break the male flowers off the plant. take off the tape, take the bag off the female , open up the male flower and rub the pollen into the female flower, you can use a fine brush if you prefer.Use two male flowers  to each female( I say save three in case on the day one is no good so one is a back up)

7. bag the female flowers as before.

8. Mark the flower area with a tag or coloured string  so you know later which one you hand pollinated . don't do it tight as the plant has to grow.

9. Watch it for a few days, if it has taken the swelling behind the flower will start to grow, now you can safely remove the bag.

Have fun making babies in your pumkin patch!!


If anyone needs help regarding squash families get back to me.

XX Jeannine


PS Half your harvest gratefully accepted !!!!!


3.

[laura G]

That is brilliant thank you, really want to repay everyones wonderfull generosities in swap shop at the end of  the year. (and save some for myself of course.. one day i will have collection like yours Jeannine  ;D)