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Jamul

Should I grow one two or three butternut plants per hole? I grew good butternut squash last year for the first time but I am sure I over did preparations. This time I am trying to make the most of preparation/space relative to potential yields.

This is sandy loam soil. I dug 40" diameter holes 18 inches deep in the center and added 15 gallons of good compost as I backfilled with native soil.

Spacing of hole is 6 feet on center in row and rows are 9-10 feet apart.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

4/13/2011 11:01:49 PM

Bethlehem CT

3 or 4 plants per hill sounds good to me. Put a couple of extra seeds in each hill then thin down to the best 3 or 4 plants. Really be vigilant about keeping the cuke beetles and other insect pests off the young plants. Mature plants are better able to tolerate them (insects and diseases). Young seedlings are very prone to viruses and diseases which are carried by the insects as vectors. Maybe it will not be as much of a concern for you out in Sunny CA! But be ready.

4/14/2011 8:26:39 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

We used to plant 3 and reduce to 2 with the spacing you are using. To avoid crowding and stress. a non stressed plant never seemed to get powdery mildew or cuke beatles. Those stressed ones were like wounded herd animals..the wolves would get them quickly.

4/14/2011 1:39:25 PM

Jamul

Thanks, this way I know two is a sure thing. I think I'll do some at 2 plants and fewer at 3 plants and see what we get. I'll test a few at 4 plants. I don't think we have bugs except aphids. Powdery mildew does happen, but usually very late, or it just hits a random plant and not others.

I know both your families like these squash from comments last year.We have a great butternut squash muffin recipe that is also healthy(mostly old fashioned oats for grain). I can post it in the recipes if anyone is interested.

My wife also makes a savory dish with butternut called "Moroccan Tagine" from a recipe on Allrecipes.com. It's really good. You guys might find it there, or I can try to find the link or put it in the recipes too?

4/14/2011 10:10:35 PM