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Pumpkin & Squash

Cucurbita moschata / Cucurbita maxima

INTRODUCTION

Squash, including pumpkins, have existed since before 8000 BC and are native to Mexico and Guatemala. Sometimes known as Winter Squash (not to be confused with Summer Squash) they are naturally low in calories with a high nutritional value. Pumpkins originating from the USA are equally as nutritious, although are mainly produced for decorative reasons during Halloween, etc.

Not the heaviest yielding of plot vegetables but well worth adding to the growing plan, the fruits have an exceptional storage capability lasting well into the winter or following spring. 

Soil Preparation

Winter Squash and Pumpkins are not fussy about soil conditions but will definitely reward you if you take the time and trouble to prepare the ground well.

The site should be sunny, sheltered and away from prevailing winds.

For the very best crops, the soil should be deeply cultivated, very rich, fertile and moisture retentive.

Ideally, prepare planting holes filled with well-rotted manure well in advance of sowing or planting. In fact, they grow quite happily planted directly into mature compost heaps.

Prepare the seedbed by removing any weed from the soil and rake level to a fine tilth.

Sowing & Planting

Winter Squash and Pumpkins are not frost hardy and sowing or planting should only be carried out when all risk of frost has passed.

Sowing can be made directly into the growing position or as an alternative, sow seeds into 9cm pots or large modules filled with multi-purpose compost in the greenhouse or cold frame.

Sowings made undercover can begin during mid-April. Ensure resulting plants are well hardened off before planting out.

Direct sown seed can be sown during May, depending on your location. The seed will not germinate at temperatures below 13oc. Sow at a depth of 2.5cm (1 inch)

Winter Squash and Pumpkins produce quite sizable plants, sow or plant out with spacings of at least 90cm (36 inches) slightly more if you have a surplus growing area.

If space is restricted, some Squash varieties are suited to growing in pots. A container size of between 10 and 20 litres is ideal.

'Butter Bush' a British bred Butternut for containers, is an early maturing variety producing small fruits on a compact plant bushy plant and is highly recommended.

Growing & General Cultivation

Keep growing crops weed-free.

Winter Squash and Pumpkins require regular watering to perform well, especially during dry weather.

They are also heavy feeders, feed every two weeks with liquid feed.

During late summer/early autumn, reduce watering and remove excessive foliage to expose fruits to aid maturing.

Pests & Diseases

Winter Squash and Pumpkins are in general pest free. Disease can be more of an issue:

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Powdery Mildew is a white powdery deposit that can cover stems and foliage. It is usually associated with dry weather and to prevent, avoid plants from drying out. Remove affected foliage as needed or in severe outbreaks, use a suitable fungicide - see product directory.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus shows as yellow speckling on foliage resulting in leaves turning brown. Plants become stunted with reduced harvests. The virus is spread by Aphids, so take necessary precautions. In extreme cases, remove entire plants to reduce the risk of spread. 

Harvesting

Allow fruits to ripen for as long as possible naturally on the plants.

Cut and remove fruits with a sharp knife. If not fully ripened, place in a greenhouse or polytunnel to allow the fruits to cure.

When fully cured, store in a frost-free shed or garage.

Winter Squash will store for up to 6 months.

Don't forget, the seeds can be utilised in the kitchen as well as the fruits themselves.

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