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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: kippers garden on May 16, 2008, 13:04:00

Title: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: kippers garden on May 16, 2008, 13:04:00
Just read another thread saying they are training their butternut squash up canes? How do you do this? 

This would save space for me if its possible.
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: tonybloke on May 16, 2008, 13:05:45
they have climbing tendrils, a bit like a runner bean.
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: kippers garden on May 16, 2008, 13:18:06
Will they wind round canes like runner beans or do i have to keep tying them as they grow up the canes?
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: Old bird on May 16, 2008, 14:24:38
There was another thread with a picture of huge squashes on a very large trellis thingy and apparently picture taken in France.  They weren't butternut but I should imagine that - given the right support - all squashes could be trained.  It was about 3 weeks ago when I saw it - so possibly still around!

Old Bird
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: Tee Gee on May 16, 2008, 15:04:35
I grow mine up canes as seen in the picture below.

I find it is better to tie them in rather than depend upon the tendrils as the fruit can become quite heavy.

(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Gourd/Squash%201.jpg)
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: theothermarg on May 16, 2008, 15:35:32
I am growing these for the 1st time this year and think I will try this as it will save a lot of room
I am sure I have seen it before either at Rosemore or Ryton thought I had a photo but can,t find it (predigi camera)
marg
Title: Re: Butternut squash...can you train them up canes?
Post by: legless on May 17, 2008, 08:22:22
i grow  mine upwards, they have tendrils like sweet peas but immensely strong! i'm sure they'd go up canes but i've always used either an arch or the side of the cat run (wire mesh)