new gardener question on squash

[chickhamm]

ok, wow, my squash plants took off, they are HUGE. I also planted way to many in to small a space. I moved several of them and the moved plants seem to be recovering well. I was wondering, im taking care of these squash bugs, i was going to trim off several of the older leaves and burry the stems to clean up the area a bit and maybe help them in producing?

This is my first yr with an in ground garden, having lived in military housing i always used container gardens.

ummm also, how can i get my cabbage plants to make cabbage and not alot of leaves? ill post some pitures if i can.

chickhamm
Theressa
GA

 

[punkin]

Hey chickhamm,

How long ago did you plant the cabbage? It takes a long time for it to start developing heads. Alot of big leaves are normal.

Have your squash started blooming yet? It will be a large yellow flower, very bright. Squash plants can get big before flowering. If you have a flower, you will likely have a squash. Transplanted squash tend to look wilty for a day or two, then they should start to perk up. I've never trimmed leaves. Maybe someone else can help you with that question.

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

In the past we have trimmed the older leaves with no obvious harm to the plant. It is a good thing that you moved some since they would have crowded each other and, IME, that can easily lead to a string of diseases. Just be careful not to trim too much since that can be harmful. I really don't think that burying the stems would be too helpful though.

Did you say you're having a problem with squash bugs?

As for cabbage, like punkin said, it does take a while for heads to form.

 

[patandchickens]

personally I wouldn't trim off leaves unless they are obviously senescing or very very seriously insect damaged. Leaves = photosynthesis = energy for fruit production.

Pat