squash seeds

[callboy]

I would like to have a go at growing squash with the seeds tken from one bought in the supermarket.Any ideas how to keep the seeds

[RocW]

Let them dry then keep them in anenvelope in a dry place. When planting, put them in the compost vertically (i.e. pointed ends noerth and south, not flat. I have grown gem squashes, butternuts and crown princes like this for ome years. When they flower, remember that you will have to help nature by making sure that you rub pollen from the female flower on to the male one.

[callboy]

thanks RocW that's great advice,can't wait till next spring

[RocW]

CALLBOY I have just noticed that my answer yesterday regarding pollination is wrong! You tear off the MALE flower and apply it to the FEMALE, whcih obviously must stay on the plant - not as I said yesterday. It's easy to tell the male from the female - a bit of imagination and knowledge of human anatomy is enough! Also, there is a small embyonic fruit behind the female flower. You will probably have all male flowers to start with but as the plant grows, the distribution evens out. Apologies for duff gen yesterday. I do hope you read this

[Clanad]

Additionally, many varieties of squash are hybrids... meaning that they've been cross bred to achieve certain characteristics and theefore, may not produce what the parent plant looked like... if they sprout at all... give it a try though!