Help with choosing Butternut Squash

I've never grown Butternut Squash, although we did grow Spaghetti Squash when I was a kid - which had a certain novelty, but I'm not sure we were THAT sold on it!

Anyways, lots of people (both here and in the physical world) have been singing its praised, and I got a £5 voucher from T&M so .... but ... they have pages and pages of Squashes (varying from Courgettes and Marrows to weird looking Sombrero type things, and amongst that numerous Butternut varieties)

I'd appreciate some advice on variety / type for cooking / eating / flavour please

Thanks

 

Hi Kristen,

As you know this is the first year I will be growing veg, but I was recommended to try F1 Cobnut by an allotment keeper friend of mine(who by the way also chuckled when he saw the small-ness of my proposed veg patch-and said I will need to choose a place in the beds to grow it ho hum), so I`ll see how they go.

 

We've grown Butternut F1 for the past 3 years. Despite the lousy weather last year we had a big crop from 2 plants. Also grew Sweet Dumpling last year - not so big or as many but quite atrractive to look at.

 

I have found with sqaushes that they really take over and smother the plot - the guy next door grew several organic a crown prince from seed taken from a squash bought from the supermarket, they grew over the fence and up my trees, and over my plot! I had to cut them down, I did benefit from allowing it one to grow providing me a lovely squash, quite tasty roasted and it lasted a couple of weeks. Will not be growing any this year as veg prices are soaring and I want to use the space for something more productive.

 

Thanks. FHM

 

The first year I grew them I planted them in the polytunnel and they grew like triffids and just about took over the place. Now I use stiff cattle netting to support them outside and grow them upwards rather than let them spread on the ground. Apart from saving space this help air circulation and reduces the chances of rotting. When picked they keep for months.

 

:ntwrth:Dave, thank you for that idea, it is a stroke of genius.
Butternut squash on the menu for me this year ! :yho: