Do you ever cut the growing tip of a vining squash?

Return to the Vegetable Gardening Forum | Post a Follow-Up

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by uscjusto 9 (My Page) on

Fri, Jun 13, 14 at 4:14

I'm just wondering if it is ever advisable in any situation to cut the growing tip of a vining squash plant?

Like too many squash for the plant to support?
Vines growing too long and getting into everywhere?
Or just let Mother Nature take over and let the vine do it's thing?

My vines are almost 5' long now and keep growing. Only a couple small squash so far.

Thanks.

Follow-Up Postings:

RE: Do you ever cut the growing tip of a vining squash?

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by laceyvail 6A, WV (My Page) on
Fri, Jun 13, 14 at 6:48

A few years ago I read an article in an old (20 plus years I think) Organic Gardening about cutting the tip of butternuts to keep the vine small; I belive this was before good bush varieties were developed.

I have trouble with squash bugs, so this technique increased the likelihood that I'd be able to patrol the plant, checking under every leaf. Since then, it's worked quite well. I wait until I have plenty of fruit set, then twice a week i patrol for eggs and pinch tips at the same time.

RE: Do you ever cut the growing tip of a vining squash?

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by digdirt 6b-7a North AR (My Page) on
Fri, Jun 13, 14 at 11:43

Only reason I do is to keep the plant somewhat contained not because the plant couldn't support the fruit. If the plant can't support the fruit it will abort them anyway.

Dave

Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

If you are a member, please log in.

If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Vegetable Gardening Forum

Information about Posting

You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
We have a strict no-advertising policy!
If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.