Marrow and butternut squash protection.

Hi... For the first time I have successfully had some marrow and butternut squash grow in my veg patch... I have thinned out one of the plants where there were about 11 or 12 separate marrows.. I have cut most off leaving 2 of the largest.. What would be the best way to protect them.. I have spread slug pellets and have sprayed with an insecticide as there are so many slugs in my garden... What else can I do to protect my marrows.? And secondly... When I notice flowers appearing on my squash..is it wise to pinch some off so the plant can concentrate on 1 or 2 squash or is it best to leave the plant to its own devices?

 

Thankyou... Any suggestions on how to protect the larger marrows... I was going to place a concrete slab or a brick under one then was told concrete will ruin it due to it heating up.. I was thinking hay... But would this keep pest away or attract them?

 

Thanks for the advice.. Tile it is!!!

 

I place my marrows on a piece of expanded polystyrene board, use sticks pushed into the ground to keep rough stems away from the marrow and if too close for that push a piece of plastic board between to keep apart and prevent damage. I also place a sheet of something like curtain material over the marrows to prevent the skin from hardening whilst still growing, something that can cause splitting, and if grown for eating this will keep them more tender.

 

Hi Rebaka, don't forget to protect them also during growth to avoid damage. A simple structure in wood wood like the one above would be perfect.