Save space by planting trailing varieties of squash at the base of a sturdy frame, to grow vertically
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM
With the risk of frost gone, squashes of all types can be planted out. Choose a sheltered, sunny site and dig lots of garden compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. Then plant 90cm or more apart, depending on the variety. Cover the soil around each plant with a thick mulch of garden compost to retain moisture.
If the plants will be left to spread out over the ground, rather than growing up sturdy supports, then it’s a good idea to insert a bamboo cane next to each plant, so you will always be able to find its centre for watering, no matter how large the plant grows.