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Winter squash taking over garden #878524

Asked July 24, 2024, 7:52 AM EDT

Hi there. This is my first year growing winter squash and I clearly did not understand how much room it needed. These baby butternut plants are engulfing all the nearby eggplant and cucumber plants and just keep going. What can I do at this point to help keep them in check and give more breathing room for the plants around them? There are plenty of squash starting to develop, so I'm not sure how best to trim it back if that's what should be done. I think it's too late for trellising. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

You can try to prune them back by leaving around 3 to 5 developing fruits to keep the vine growing well, while also ensuring you have enough squash to harvest. You can cut the vines with no developing fruit at the base or cut at one or two leaf nodes beyond the last fruit. You may have to do this every few weeks or so to keep it at bay and let the other plants have some space and light.

Another option besides pruning is to redirect the stems by gently picking them up and positioning them in a better way. If they have began to root, gently loosen the roots from the soil before you try to move them. The vines may appear wilted once moved, but should recover in a few days. You can make sure to provide sufficient watering. Some squash varieties also take well to training up an A-frame trellis or within a tomato cage, which will free up space on the ground.

As long as you don’t cut the main stem or crush the leaves the plant should be fine. 

Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

Thanks, Emily! I appreciate your advice.
On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 1:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 7:46 PM EDT

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