Squash query

[htcdude]

Sorry I know this technically isn't wildlife, but wondering if someone can help.

I planted a squash plant for the first time this year, it was growing fine, little squashes appeared but suddenly turned yellow, then black, then shrivelled up and dropped off. Any ideas why they would do this?? (lack of water perhaps?) There was one that was about 2 inches long which then did this. Now the plant has only one squash which is still green and absolutely humongous! When will this one ripen? Or will it end up like the others?

The plant is about 2metres long (I think we let it grow too big)

Nige

[Jim Ford]

Your plant's fine.

The ones that didn't develop and dropped off were probably not fertilised.

You can't "let it grow too big" - just let it do 'it's thing'! It'll probably ripen in October.

Jim

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Your plant's fine.

The ones that didn't develop and dropped off were probably not fertilised.

You can't "let it grow too big" - just let it do 'it's thing'! It'll probably ripen in October.

Jim

OK kool thanks Jim.

I was told if you let them get too big the squash won't get as much 'goodness' as it could do because a lot of energy would be going into other parts of the plant??

Also how much water should I be giving it? I usually water it twice a day (once if it's a bit damper outside), but I'm away next week and it'll only get one water by the neighbour

Many thanks,

Nige

[Deb London]

Lucky you! The £&^T*$($ snails chewed through the stem of my one fertilised pumpkin while we were away.

I've never had a fruit that I didn't have to fertilise myself. Your garden must have more insects or something.

A bucketful of water every day I reckon. Twice a day and you're really spoiling it.

EDIT

PS Lots more advice given here if you care to enter:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...ting-shed.html

[htcdude]

Have joined the group thanks



A bucket full of water!?! Crumbs I don't think it'll get that next week

[Deb London]

Something Monty Don once said I think. Anyway, it's always advisable to water deeply.

However, I haven't bothered watering mine since the snail incident.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by htcdude

I was told if you let them get too big the squash won't get as much 'goodness' as it could do because a lot of energy would be going into other parts of the plant??

It needs the rest of the plant in order to create the 'goodness' to go into the fruit.

Jim

[artdemole]

Warmth will ripen it,if we get anymore.Sunlight will.If it gets cooler then lay off the watering a little.Pinch out the end stem with the fruit on so the energy goes into enlarging the fruit.

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by artdemole

Warmth will ripen it,if we get anymore.Sunlight will.If it gets cooler then lay off the watering a little.Pinch out the end stem with the fruit on so the energy goes into enlarging the fruit.

Thanks for that I will do

Nige