Pumpkin and Squash

[Nigella]

I was planning to grow some pumpkin and squash this year (yummy roasted).

I understand the squash needs lots of warm weather ?

Any tips on good / easy grows for pumpkins / squash?

Is it right that I need to plant out in May?

:)

[Nigella]

[wardy]

If you look on the packet it will probably tell you to sow it in May.  We grew them on our lotty last year which isn't warm and they did very well.  Some we encouraged to climb up the bare supports of the polytunnel (wot no plastic) and got some beauties.  Some we left on the floor but all were fine.  They do say to cover them up in a cold spell but we didn't.  We did well with butternut, courgette Sunburst, the blue kuri squash and the common or garden halloween pumpkins

Delicious. The Sunburst courgette type squash things are eaten at golf ball size and are delish.  We are growing loads of different types this year.  Well potentially, if I ever get my back sorted.  Got loads of swops off this forum.  ;D

[Nigella]

Thanks  ;)

Hope the back is feeling better soon.  :)

[BAGGY]

Wardy
Hope your back is soon 'fixed'.  Can you recommend a mixed pack of squash seeds.  I don't have enough room to grow too many (and to be quite honest I don't know if I like them - have nottried that many to be an expert)
Don't want to have to buy lots of different packs and they don't seem to do the mini plants locally.

[wardy]

Yes, I got a mixed pack, from Wilko I think.  They are called Autumn something or other.  I grow a little courgette squash called Sunburst and you eat it when it's golf ball size.  It's fab.  Another fave is the blue squash, I think Blue Hubbard or Blue Kuri.  Blue Hubbard is supposed to have the best taste in trials
The halloween ones taste great too and make a beautiful orange soup (looks great in dark blue bowls)

You can grow them vertically too to take up less space on the ground

[Amazin]

I'm growing Marina de Chioggia squash this year. No idea what it'll taste like - I found it after looking for veg with scented flowers! According to the packet diagrams - instructions are in Italian, not my strongest suit - it should be planted in March, but I started mine off indoors last month (it was planted in a tray with some exotic flower seeds which had to be in by Feb), and it's now coming up. 

[Amazin]

Oh, nearly forgot, I'm also starting off some Jack O'Lantern pumpkins this weekend and I'll be growing both these and the squash vertically.

[chrispea27]

They do really well if grown on the compost heap.They due spread a lot. :D

[wardy]

I got some Marinas off Loz.  Bless  :)

[adrianhumph]

Hi Baggy, :)
                 Look at seeds of Italy; http://www.seedsofitaly.sagenet.co.uk/ They have a good range of pumpkins & do a mixed packet so you can sow a good variety.
                                 Adrian.

[Doris_Pinks]

Baggy any specific types you want? I have  a few varieties I could let you have! DP

[BAGGY]

I grew ornamental gourds last year and my neice was facinated with them. She really wanted to grow a huge pumpkin but had to make do with an over sized marrow ( which wasn't worth eating but had entertainment value).  My mil does a fab pumpkin curry and I wanted to have a go at doing something a bit different.  I have only really eaten butternut and pumpkin before (both shop bought so prob not a realistic example) but would like to have a go at another type.  We eat heaps of veg in our house and so anything that can't be bought locally is a bonus.  Thanks for the offer Doris - that would be grand.

[dotcommon]

try kaboucha squash.  i have grown many kinds and these are the tastiest witha a really chestnutty flavour.  also the easiest to grow and very pretty climbing plants.  nice enough for a flower bed with really vine - like leaves. 

[wardy]

I had some pumpkins given me last year as the bloke was throwing the flesh away after cutting them up for pumpkins.  I googled and found some soup and curry recipes, and one for baking them with spices.  I did all the lot and now I'm hooked.  I've got lots of different types of seed now and plan for a pumpkin/squash fest  ;D

[Nigella]

I am going for a oumpkin / squash fest too !

I like roasted squash - mashed then use it like potato on shepherds pie yummy.  ;D

[Debs]

My taste buds have gone into overdrive  ;D

I am gtrowing butternut squash and pumpkin jack o lantern for the first

time.

Can both be grown on the compost heap??

Debs

[Nigella]

I think so - they are hungry plants  :D

[wardy]

I've seen butternuts in the shops for £1.99 each  :o

[Debs]

All the more reason to grow them from seed Wardy  ;D

Debs