Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Identifying my Butternut Squash Problem

riannemcallisterr_IEfl1Eriannemcallisterr_IEfl1E Posts: 2
edited May 2023 in Problem solving
Hi!

I’m a first time squash grower and I’m about to plant out my butternut squash that have been in the greenhouse. Over the last two weeks or so my squash leaves have either been yellowing, crisping or getting a mottled white pattern on them. I’ve added some pics below. The white crispy edges I thought looked a little like fertiliser burn? But I’ve yet to use any as they haven’t flowered. I’m not sure if the yellowing leaves or the mottled white is related to this or a separate issue?

Bit of a novice to say the least, but any help would be appreciated 😊

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Looks like mildew, which is mainly due to being too dry.
    They're needing to be in much bigger pots or in the ground though.  They need lots of room, decent soil, lots of food and lots of water. They should pick up a good bit then   :)
    Crisping of foliage can easily happen when inside, because even a small amount of sun is magnified so much, and they can certainly get burnt quite easily. It isn't usually too big a problem though, once they get more room, and are growing happily outside.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Agree with @Fairygirl.  It's likely that you have left them too long in their pots before planting out - difficult with the weather tho - and they have got a bit dry/sun scorched..
    I expect you already know that they are very hungry and thirsty plants and need plenty of space too.
    Depending on your site and space, you may need to consider limiting the number of fruits per plant in order to get a harvest.
    Good luck with them anyway :)
  • riannemcallisterr_IEfl1Eriannemcallisterr_IEfl1E Posts: 2
    @Fairygirl @philippasmith2

    Thankyou they’re going in the ground this morning 😊 - reassuring it might be fine once I get them in! I think I started them from seed a little early and got concerned about the outside temp - but fingers crossed!!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As @philippasmith2 says - sometimes you have to choose how many fruits you keep, and that often depends on the length of season you have in your location. I don't often grow them, but even the small ones I've had, which were producing plenty of potential fruits, needed thinning out to just four or five because it wouldn't have been viable to have more unless they were growing undercover.
    I'm sure they'll be fine - good luck with them  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.