Signe Bay
September is the month for pumpkins and squash and, if there has been plenty of sunshine, they should be ripening around now and almost ready to harvest. Squash are divided into two different categories: summer and winter. Summer ones, like courgettes and pattypans, should be continually harvested while the fruits are small; winter squash or pumpkins, such as acorn or butternut types, have harder skins and ripen later. They are best left on the plant for as long as possible before harvesting, so wait until the vine on which they are growing is fading. They can be stored for many months in a cool and dry place before eating.
All squash require rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering if the ground is dry. They benefit from a compost mulch just after planting to retain moisture. I find it helps to have a homemade plastic-bottle watering system set up, so you are not constantly watering the leaves, which can cause powdery mildew. Simply cut the bottom off a large plastic water bottle and pierce the lid with a skewer. Plunge the inverted bottle into the soil near the plant and fill it up whenever it is empty.
This year, I am growing ‘Crown Prince’ squash and the pattypan variety ‘Disco’ vertically to save space. This is easy to do if you put a sturdy wall trellis or plant arch in place, adding vertical strings if necessary to help the plants climb.
As the plants grow, wind and tie the stem of the vine in place, and support the fruits if necessary as they form. Instead of a sprawling mass of leaves and fruits that can rot if left on the soil, the plant swiftly climbs up and over its support, leaving more space underneath for growing other crops.
Friends in high places: supports for growing squash
Charlbury Wall Trellis, 30cm
The best of the late-summer and autumn plant fairs
Late Summer Plant Fair, Sussex Prairies, September 1
AccordionItemContainerButton
A collective of excellent specialist nurseries gathers in the eight-acre garden at Sussex Prairies, in West Sussex, which will be looking its best at this time of year. Open 12-5pm, tickets £12. sussexprairies.co.uk
Autumn Plant & Gardening Fair, Forde Abbey, September 7
AccordionItemContainerButton
Find plants from local specialist nurseries and gardening sundries by craftspeople as well as a fantastic dahlia display in the beautiful garden of Forde Abbey in Somerset. Open 10.30am-3pm, tickets £7.50. fordeabbey.co.uk
Annual Autumn Plant Fair, Scampston Hall, September 8
AccordionItemContainerButton
Specialist nursery exhibits and informative garden talks will be held in the glorious, Piet Oudolf-designed walled garden near Malton in North Yorkshire. Open 10am-3pm, tickets £9.50. scampston.co.uk
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, September 13-15
AccordionItemContainerButton
Held at Newby Hall & Gardens in Yorkshire, this showcases flowers, fruit and vegetables in the tranquil setting of the striking Robert Adam house and its beautiful grounds.
Malvern Autumn Show, September 27-29
AccordionItemContainerButton
This impressive event at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire includes show gardens, floral displays, celebrity talks, and fruit and vegetable exhibits. Open 9am-6pm, tickets 220. malvernautumn.co.uk
Comments are closed.