Butternut squash growing

Gloria Norris
by Gloria Norris
I live in Michigan and it is the third week of August. I am wondering if I should begin nipping off the continuing growth of my butternut squash vines in order to give the growing fruit more of the plants energY.

  9 answers
  • Here are a couple links to help you out. I have only been to Michigan once (so far), and it looked just beautiful. I would certainly give it a go by pinching off new growth. Visit a good proper nursery or contact your local Ag Extension for info for your exact location. How are they coming along so far?


    http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/how_to_grow_pumpkin_and_squash


    http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/mi/newsletter-stories/erika_jensen/

    • Gloria Norris Gloria Norris on Aug 21, 2017

      Thank you for the links. I've keep searching for more info and did in fact find an article online this morning that explained how to cut the new growth when there would no longer be enough time for new squash to grow to maturity. It is ok to do and won't hurt the plant and will help the growing squash get more of the nutients. Squash plants generally get 4 or 5 squash so cutting new growth won't affect what I now have and as nights get cooler the bees will disappe anyway. I'm thinking we are right about at the time where new forming squash won't make it to maturity. I plan to look my plants over carefully and do this in about a week. I have many wonderful large squash and I am very excited. Thank you again.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 19, 2017

    Yes remove all the lower growth for more air circulation

  • Cindy Cindy on Aug 19, 2017

    I love butternut squash. Weather permitting, you could leave them on the vine. This is the season for squash, gourds, pumpkins, etc. You should pull them out before the first frost. Best wishes.

  • Laurie Laurie on Aug 20, 2017

    The leaves are needed to support the plant through photosynthesis. If you want to save the plant's energy for the existing fruit, take of any new BLOSSOMS that emerge. Then the plant won't set any more fruit, and it can save its strength for the ones already developing.

  • Cin21825342 Cin21825342 on Aug 20, 2017

    I always nip mine when they get leggy. It does help the plant send energy to the fruit...not the vining.

  • Rozmund Rozmund on Aug 20, 2017

    Re harvesting - of course an early crop if you have too many is good to pick, cook, share..but a farmer shared a secret with me...they keep them until there has been one hard frost..supported with extra straw..apparently the "butternut" flavour is enhanced, sweeter, and simply no comparison to other squashes..too much rain is the enemy when they are grown....just sharing...

  • Elaine Elaine on Aug 20, 2017

    One of the best blogs out there regarding growing vegetables (and many other topics) is: "The Art of Doing Stuff".


    She has her own garden but also made a large community garden in another area near her home. She is a real pro and I think you'll find lots of tips in her blog.

  • Gloria Norris Gloria Norris on Aug 20, 2017

    Thank you. Pulling blossoms makes sense. I can try eating them. Haven't done that yet.

  • So welcome, happy it was useful info for you. Oh they are just beautiful, I am so happy and excited for you! Just imagine all the great meals you are going to make - you will be searching for recipes next . . . I did acorn squash this year and will give most away as I have no where to store properly for any great length of time. Bet you have some County Fair specimens in there too. 😎 Enjoy! 👍