Winter Squash amidst the Sweetcorn

[Colin Miles]

For the past 3 years I have grown my Winter Squash amidst the Sweetcorn. Well, I won't be doing it again. It may work well in the Carribean where hot summers are guaranteed, but it is not a good idea here. The first year - good summer, good result. Last year I got a couple of fruit but this summer, which has been even wetter here than last year, although I have grown Hunter, which did well in the trials last year, the only plants that have produced anything are those on the edges which haven't been shaded by the Sweetcorn. And the Sweetcorn, well lots of cobs but very slow in ripening.

[Primrose]

Always interesting to learn what worked or didn't work for others. I suspect that to grow good winter squashes you need plenty of space and lots of sunshine. I've learned that lesson myself this year. I've got some celeriac growing in my vegetable patch packed planted tightly between a rot of beetroot and some taller Kavalo Nero. Hardly any sign of bulbs. I planted my spare celeriac seedlings in another border where they're better spaced out and are less shaded and the bulbs are swelling nicely.