Welcome to our review of Spear and Jackson Anvil Secateurs here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you through to Amazon to purchase it where it is a safe, secure and trusted website to purchase.
Here you can find out a brief overview of the product:-
Anvil action secateurs ideal for use on thicker, dead or woody stems
Geared action for easier cutting
Lightweight cast aluminium body
PTFE coated SK5 steel blade for lasting sharpness, smooth cutting and resistance to rust
Grow your own British growing 2018 award winners
Maximum cut: 15 mm
About the product
Are you looking for some great Secateurs to do your gardening with at the allotment or home. These Spear and Jackson Anvil Secateurs are great to be able to do all your pruning with. These Spear and Jackson Anvil Secateurs have a soft grip so are easy to handle. These should last you a numerous amount of years to do all the pruning you need in the garden.
Price Range
Here you can see the price that the item is currently going for on Amazon. You can click the picture below and it will take you through to Amazon where you can purchase them item safe and securely.
Customer Reviews
Do you want to know what the customers think from verified purchase? Here we have listed a couple of reviews from the customers so you know what they think of the item.
I’m not a gardener and wasn’t sure what type to get after breaking my old cheap pair till I viewed the video. It was delivered yesterday in a nice securely wrapped package and my first thoughts were this looks good, upon opening it I tried to cut the cardboard that it had been secured to and see how sharp it was and I must admit I was a little bit disappointed that it didn’t cut it. I then went out and tried cutting a side branch on the tree I’m felling and blimey it cut through 1/2″ branch like a hot knife through butter with hardly any effort on my hands which is good as I have arthritis. I tried up to 3/4″ and it cuts it ok but as it’s probably not made for that dia I didn’t want to break it. This is a lovely tool and feels nice and secure in your hand I’m well impressed with the quality and how easy it is to cut branches top marks would recommend.
Overall Review
This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 2700 times. The customers have given it a 74% satisfactory 5* rating.
Welcome to our review of Spear and Jackson Hand Tool Gift Set here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you through to Amazon to purchase it where it is a safe, secure and trusted website to purchase.
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Overview of the product
Here you can find a brief overview of the Spear and Jackson Hand Tool Gift Set:-
Three gardening tools gardening gift set.
Gift set contains weed fork, trowel and transplanting trowel
Each tool has a stainless steel head for rust resistance and minimal soil adhesion
Weatherproofed hardwood handles for durability
Presented in a printed box. Handle length: 12.7 cm
Grow your own British growing 2018 award winners
About the product
Are you looking for a fantastic gardening gift set for that avid gardener? Here you can purchase a Spear and Jackson stainless steel set. This gift set is of fantastic quality and will not rust or bend when using. You will not go wrong with this Spear and Jackson Hand Tool Gift Set for a present.
Price Range
Here you can see the price that the item is currently going for on Amazon. You can click the picture below and it will take you through to Amazon where you can purchase them item safe and securely.
Customer Reviews
Do you want to know what the customers think from verified purchase? Here we have listed a couple of reviews from the customers so you know what they think of the item.
This is an excellent quality set of tool for the garden. Spear & Jackson are a long-established manufacturer of garden tools and without a shadow of a doubt these are well made tools, more importantly they are reasonably priced.
The wooden handles are not rough where it joins the metal, so no criticism there either. Furthermore, having used these tools frequently for the last month now, I am pleased to confirm they are very comfortable to work with. With that said, I have no hesitation in recommending these.
Overall Review
This product has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 1500 times. The customers have given it an 84% satisfactory 5* rating.
Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower Review
Welcome to our review of the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you through to Amazon to purchase it where it is a safe, secure and trusted website to purchase.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Overview of Product
Here you can find a brief over view of the lawnmower.
The ideal lawnmower for first time home buyers as it cuts medium to large-sized gardens
Designed to be simple and easy to use with useful carry handle and an easy to remove grass box
Choose your ideal cutting height with a choice of five settings between 20 to 60 mm, easily adjustable with a central handle
Sound pressure level at operators ear dB(A): 87
About the Product
If you are looking for a cheap but fantastic lawnmower this is the one for you. This is ideal for those with smallish lawns and those that don’t want to spend a lot. This is electric-powered so you will need to make sure you can plug it in somewhere and that you are careful not to cut the lead when mowing.
You can cut your grass at 5 different heights from 20mm to 60mm creating the perfectly cut grass. It is lightweight and it comes with a 40l collection box to collect all your grass up. You can then put it in your compost heap after.
This will be a perfect lawn mower for most lawns.
Price Range
Here in the picture below you can see how much this Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower is selling for on Amazon. You can click the picture and it will take you right to the item where you can find out more details about this lawnmower.
Customer Reviews
Here you can find reviews of products of the lawnmower. Find out customers reviews from verified purchases. This will help you decide if it is worth purchasing seeing what the customers think:-
This is nice and light for carting down to the shed and packing away. It also does a good cut and the engine is just a bit more powerful than the lower models, so the blades don’t get so affected by thicker grass or if it’s a bit damp. The engine keeps going at its regular speed.
Easy to assemble and gives a good range of heights. Particularly good at higher heights when the weather isn’t so good in order to protect your grass. Many mowers do go too low and you end up with a scalped lawn which is then rife with weeds because the grass gets damaged. You have proper control with the height adjustment on these blades.
Overall Review
This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 2800 times. The customers have given it a 76% satisfactory 5* rating.
Welcome to our review of the Greenworks Tools G40LM41K2X Cordless Lawnmower here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you through to Amazon to purchase it where it is a safe, secure and trusted website to purchase.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Overview of Product
Here you can find an overview of the product for sale:-
Easy to power up all you need to do is insert the two batteries which are included with the lawnmower.
The cutting width is 41cm
Lightweight
5 cutting heights from 25mm to 80mm
50l collection bag – also mulches
Use the batteries on many Greenworks products.
About the Product
Never worry about having enough petrol or cutting the lead on your lawnmower again all you need to do is make sure the batteries on this Greenworks Tools G40LM41K2X Cordless Lawnmower are charged up and it is ready to use. You certainly will not be out of breath trying to start it up. It will just be a case of switching it on.
This lawn mower has a 2 in 1 feature. It collects all the grass in a 50l bag, it also mulches the grass. You can then add it to your compost heap or use it as mulch round your plants.
This lawn mower has low noise so if you fancy cutting your grass early in the morning you certainly will not disturb the neighbors.
Price Range
Here in the picture below you can see how much this Greenworks Tools G40LM41K2X Cordless Lawnmower is selling for on Amazon. You can click the picture and it will take you right to the item where you can find out more details about this lawnmower.
Customer Reviews
Here you can find reviews of products of the lawnmower. Find out customers reviews from verified purchases. This will help you decide if it is worth purchasing seeing what the customers think:-
I love this mower. It is not self propelled but doesn’t need to be as it is light and easy to push and quiet. Start up is a piece of cake as is charging the batteries. You can always have one charged up to replace the other one when it runs out of juice.
The mowing is neat and it does a great job of picking up the grass in the bag. All in all a great buy.
Overall Review
This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 600 times. The customers have given it a 79% satisfactory 5* rating.
Welcome to our review of the Einhell Cordless Lawn Mower GE-CM 36 Li here you will be able to find out what the customers think of this product and if it is worth purchasing. You can also click the link that will take you through to Amazon to purchase it where it is a safe, secure and trusted website to purchase.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Overview of Product
Here you can find a brief overview of the product:-
Power source
Battery Powered
Item Dimensions L x W x H
76.5 x 49 x 37 centimetres
Item Weight
19.9 Kilograms
Cutting width
36
Lift Type
Manual
About the Product
This Einhell Cordless Lawn Mower GE-CM 36 Li will not require petrol, and you will not risk cutting the lead on the lawnmower by running over it. The lawnmower is powered by two lithium batteries which are included with the lawnmower. Just make sure they are fully charged before using them. You can also use the batteries on other Einhell products.
This lawnmower comes with a 40 litre collection box this means that you can store the grass up and add it to your compost heap where you can turn it into valuable compost or use it as mulch.
Price Range
Here in the picture below you can see how much this Einhell Cordless Lawn Mower GE-CM 36 Li is selling for on Amazon. You can click the picture and it will take you right to the item where you can find out more details about this lawn mower.
Customer Reviews
Here you can find reviews of products of the lawnmower. Find out customers reviews from verified purchases. This will help you decide if it is worth purchasing seeing what the customers think:-
Very good – cuts very well. A little fiddly to put together, particularly the the grass box. Much better than my old bosh.. Two thing , I feel could be better. It has a slow start .. Initially I thought that it was faulty. You pull the leaver and nothing happens for a few seconds. Probably a safety feature, irritating.! The handle is a bit flimsy. It flexes as you push. Not as solid as the Bosh. The rest is excellent and the freedom from a cable is wonderful
Overall Review
This product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon. It has been purchased in total over 1000 times. The customers have given it a 76% satisfactory 5* rating.
Are you looking at purchasing a lawnmower for the garden, allotment or for work? Here we will be doing a Webb Supreme 53cm petrol lawn mower review. We will be checking all the specifications of the product to see if it is worth the money. We will be checking customer feedback on the lawnmower to see if they are satisfied.
You can also click the link to the lawnmower on here which will take you to Amazon where we have found the best price. You can purchase it from there site which is safe and secure.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Overview of Product
Here is a brief description of the Webb Supreme 53cm petrol lawn mower:-
Briggs & Stratton 675 engine
Can collect up to 70 litres of grass
Cuts a width of 53cm
Seven different heights to cut.
Multi Purpose – Rear Collect; Side Discharge; Rear Discharge or Mulch
Soft comfy handle
About the Product
This petrol powered Webb Supreme 53cm petrol lawn mower is ideal for those with big lawns that need to be kept maintained. You can choose the height you would like the grass to be cut at from 25in to 75inches .
The lawnmower as comes with a grass collector bag which will hold up to 70 liters. This will save having to rake up the grass cuttings after, saving time and effort.
You will be covering a large amount of area in the garden in a short amount of time. it will certainly power through the garden lawn fast.
Price Range
In the below pic you can see how much the Webb Supreme 53cm petrol lawnmower is currently selling for on Amazon. You know it is safe and secure and will be delivered from them. You can click the link below where it will take you through to Amazon to purchase it.
Customer Reviews
Do you want to know what the customers think of this lawn mower? You can see a couple of the pieces of feedback below. If you want to know more feed back find out here.
This appears to be a good machine. Easy to assemble, & started first pull! I love the mulching facility which saves a lot of time. Quite a heavy machine.
Great versatile mower which leaves nice stripes on the grass. Easy start, good capacity in grass box, just a very good machine.
Overall Review
Overall this item has a 62% 5* rating on Amazon. It has been purchased at least 19 times from them. Overall it is rated 4 out of 5. This is not a bad result for a lawn mower.
Growing Butternut Squash: A Comprehensive Guide to a Bountiful, Sweet Harvest
Introduction Butternut squash, with its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy orange flesh, is a beloved autumn and winter staple. Whether roasted, blended into soups, or mashed into comforting purées, its versatility in the kitchen is matched by its relative ease to grow. With proper soil preparation, planting at the right time, and attentive care, even novice gardeners can enjoy a generous supply of homegrown butternut squash.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of growing butternut squash—from choosing suitable varieties and starting seeds to managing common pests and harvesting at the perfect moment. By following these guidelines, you’ll cultivate healthy, productive plants that provide abundant, flavorful squash to elevate your seasonal cooking.
Choosing Varieties and Understanding Growth Habits
Selecting Varieties Butternut squash comes in several varieties, each with unique traits. Some mature faster, making them ideal for shorter growing seasons, while others produce slightly different shapes or flavors. Popular varieties include:
‘Waltham Butternut’: A classic heirloom type known for reliable yields, deep orange flesh, and rich flavor.
‘Butterboy’: A hybrid offering uniform fruit size and consistent taste.
‘Hunter’: Suited to cooler climates, this variety often matures faster, making it ideal in regions with shorter summers.
Choose a variety that matches your local climate and gardening goals. Check seed packets for days to maturity and recommended planting times.
Growing Habit Butternut squash plants are typically sprawling vines that require space to spread. They produce large, lobed leaves and yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each fertilized flower develops into a small green fruit that matures to a buff-tan color as it ripens.
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Timing and Climate Considerations
Warm-Season Crop Butternut squash thrives in warm conditions, typically requiring about 90-120 days to mature. In the UK and similar climates, start seeds indoors in April or May to give plants a head start before transplanting outdoors once the soil and air have warmed—often late May or early June.
Soil Temperature and Frost Risk Wait until all risk of frost has passed and the soil temperature consistently reaches at least 15°C before planting seedlings or direct sowing seeds. Cold soil or late frosts can stunt growth or kill young plants.
Extending the Season If you have a short growing season, consider using cloches, row covers, or a polytunnel to maintain warmth. These methods help ensure your plants have enough time to mature before cooler autumn weather sets in.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Soil Requirements Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Work in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to create a fertile, well-draining soil. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Butternut squash is a heavy feeder, so soil rich in organic matter supports vigorous growth and better yields.
Seed Starting If starting seeds indoors, sow them 2-3 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant seeds about 2-3 cm deep in individual pots of seed compost. Keep them warm (around 20-25°C) and moist. Seeds usually germinate within a week.
Transplanting Seedlings Once seedlings have at least two true leaves and outdoor conditions are warm, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures over 7-10 days. Then transplant them into the garden, spacing plants about 90-120 cm apart to provide ample room for vines to spread.
Direct Sowing Outdoors If you prefer direct sowing, wait until the soil warms. Sow seeds about 2-3 cm deep and thin seedlings to one strong plant per station once they emerge. Keep the area consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Caring for Your Butternut Squash Plants
Watering and Feeding Maintain even soil moisture throughout the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, aiming for about 2.5-5 cm of water per week. Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season to support fruit development and flavor.
Mulching Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw or compost gradually improve soil structure and fertility as they break down.
Weeding and Training Weed regularly, especially when plants are young. Once vines spread and form a thick canopy, they naturally suppress many weeds. If space is limited, consider training vines along trellises or supports, though this may require additional support for the heavy fruits.
Pollination and Fruit Set
Flowers and Pollinators Butternut squash produces male and female flowers on the same plant. Bees and other pollinators transfer pollen from male to female flowers. Ensure good pollinator activity by planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding excessive pesticide use.
Hand-Pollination If pollinators are scarce, consider hand-pollination. Use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from male flowers (with slender stems) to female flowers (with a swollen base). Doing so can improve fruit set and yields.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
Aphids: Sap-sucking insects that weaken plants. Encourage natural predators (ladybirds) or use insecticidal soaps.
Slugs and Snails: Feeds on leaves and young fruit. Hand-pick, use beer traps, or employ organic slug pellets.
Cucumber Beetles or Vine Borers (in some regions): Monitor plants and remove pests promptly.
Diseases:
Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery fungus on leaves. Ensure good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected foliage.
Downy Mildew or Anthracnose: Improve drainage, rotate crops annually, and use disease-resistant varieties.
Preventive Measures Crop rotation, proper spacing, healthy soil, and vigilant monitoring go a long way in preventing serious pest and disease issues.
When and How to Harvest
Signs of Maturity Butternut squash is ready to harvest when the rind turns a uniform tan color and resists a thumbnail scratch. The stem should be dry and woody. Most UK gardeners find their butternuts ready in late September through October, depending on variety and weather.
Harvest Technique Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 2-3 cm of stem attached. Handle with care to avoid bruising or cuts in the skin.
Curing and Storing After harvest, cure the squash by placing it in a warm, dry spot (about 24-27°C) for 1-2 weeks. This hardens the skin and enhances flavor. Store cured squash in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at about 10-15°C. Under these conditions, they can last for 3-6 months, providing fresh produce all winter long.
Culinary Uses and Flavor Pairings
Sweet, Nutty Flavor Properly matured and cured butternut squash is sweet, rich, and slightly caramel-like. Roast cubes or wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out natural sugars. Purée into soups, sauces, or even desserts.
Culinary Inspiration
Soups and Stews: Add puréed butternut for a creamy base.
Risottos and Pasta Dishes: Incorporate roasted chunks for flavor and texture.
Baking: Include mashed butternut in muffins, breads, or pancakes for moisture and subtle sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Including it in your diet supports eye health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Embracing Seasonal and Sustainable Practices
Local, Seasonal Harvests By growing butternut squash, you embrace eating with the seasons, reducing reliance on imported produce. Harvesting at peak maturity and enjoying your squash during cooler months aligns with natural cycles and maximizes flavor and nutrients.
Soil Stewardship Crop rotation, composting, and minimizing chemical inputs improve soil fertility and support biodiversity in your garden. These sustainable methods lead to healthier crops and reduce long-term maintenance.
Community and Sharing A bumper crop provides opportunities to share surplus squash with friends, neighbors, or local community programs, strengthening social connections and encouraging others to appreciate homegrown, seasonal foods.
Conclusion
Growing butternut squash offers a rewarding path to flavorful, nutrient-rich produce. By selecting suitable varieties, starting seeds at the right time, ensuring fertile soil and consistent moisture, and managing pests and diseases proactively, you’ll support strong, healthy plants that yield abundant harvests.
As you learn to recognize the ideal moment to harvest and cure your squash, each season’s bounty becomes more assured. Embrace the seasonal rhythms of planting and harvesting, and enjoy the versatility of homegrown butternut squash in a wide array of comforting, nutritious meals.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Butternut Squash
When should I plant butternut squash seeds? In the UK, start seeds indoors in April or May and transplant outdoors once frost risk has passed, typically late May to June.
Do I need a large space for butternut squash? Yes, they have sprawling vines. Allow 90-120 cm between plants. Alternatively, consider vertical supports if space is limited.
What kind of soil do they prefer? Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) works best.
How often should I water? About once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Do I need to feed my butternut plants? Yes, they are heavy feeders. Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea during growth and fruiting.
Are they prone to pests or diseases? They can attract aphids, slugs, and fungal issues. Practice crop rotation, proper spacing, and timely intervention if problems arise.
How do I know when to harvest? When skins are tan, stems are woody, and a thumbnail resists scratching the rind—often late September-October in the UK.
How should I store harvested squash? Cure them in a warm, dry spot for 1-2 weeks, then store in a cool, dry area (10-15°C) for several months.
Can I grow them in containers? Yes, if the container is large and filled with rich compost. Provide sturdy support for the vines.
What’s the best way to use butternut squash in cooking? Roast, purée, or add it to soups, stews, and pasta dishes. Its sweet, nutty flavor shines in countless recipes.
Gardening With Ben Podcasts
If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.
Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.
You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.
So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧
When to Harvest Butternut Squash in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide to Timing for Maximum Sweetness and Storage Life
Introduction Butternut squash, with its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy, orange flesh, is a staple in autumn and winter cooking. Roasted, pureed, or used in soups and casseroles, it’s a versatile ingredient that brightens cold-weather meals. Knowing precisely when to harvest butternut squash ensures that you capture its peak flavor, sweetness, and storage potential. Harvesting too early can result in bland, underdeveloped fruit; waiting too long risks overripeness or damage from cold weather.
This comprehensive guide explains how to identify the right time to pick your butternut squash in the UK, taking into account the growing season, weather conditions, and visual cues. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy top-quality squash that stores well and enhances your culinary creations for months to come.
Understanding Butternut Squash Growth and Maturity
Long-Season Crop Butternut squash generally requires around 90-120 days from planting to reach maturity. In the UK, where the growing season is relatively short, starting seeds indoors or choosing early-maturing varieties can help ensure they ripen before the first frost.
From Green to Tan Immature butternut squash is often pale green and gradually turns a buff-tan color as it ripens. The transformation in skin color indicates starches converting into sugars—this process is essential for achieving the sweet, nutty flavor that butternut is known for.
Favorable Conditions Consistent warmth and sunshine support fruit development. Cool, wet summers might slow maturity, while a warm, sunny autumn speeds it up. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and be ready to adjust your harvest timing if an early frost threatens.
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Ideal Harvest Time
Skin Color and Hardness Butternut squash is ready to harvest when the skin turns a uniform tan color and no green patches remain. Gently press your thumbnail into the rind—fully mature squash has a hard, tough skin that resists puncture. If the skin yields easily, the squash may need more time on the vine.
Stem and Vine Indicators As the squash matures, the vine’s leaves and stems often begin to die back and turn brown. The squash’s stem should also be dry and woody at the point where it attaches to the fruit. A hard, brown stem is a sign the squash is nearing or at full maturity.
Weather Considerations Aim to harvest before the first hard frost. Light frosts may not ruin the fruit, but prolonged or severe freezes can damage the skin and shorten storage life. If a frost is forecast and your squash is nearly ready, consider harvesting slightly earlier. For partially mature fruits, using mulch or protective covers can buy you extra days.
Monitoring Your Crop
Regular Checks in Late Summer and Autumn Check your butternut squash patch weekly as late summer turns into autumn. Many UK gardeners find their butternuts are ready for harvest from late September through October, though timing may vary depending on planting date and weather patterns.
Partial Harvesting If some squash mature earlier than others, harvest them as they’re ready rather than waiting for the entire crop to ripen simultaneously. Removing mature fruit can also help ensure the plant directs energy to remaining fruits still on the vine.
Avoiding Over-Maturity While leaving squash on the vine to fully mature is beneficial, don’t wait too long. Overripe squash can become watery or develop dull flavors. Strike a balance by picking them as soon as they meet the right visual and tactile indicators.
Harvesting Techniques
Cutting the Fruit from the Vine Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut butternut squash from the vine, leaving about 2-3 cm of stem attached. Avoid twisting or pulling the fruit off, as this can damage the squash and reduce its storage life.
Gentle Handling Handle the squash carefully to prevent bruising or cuts. Damaged skins are more susceptible to rot. Place harvested fruits in a single layer in a dry, shaded area to begin the curing process if you intend to store them for an extended period.
Post-Harvest Handling and Curing
Curing for Extended Storage Curing involves holding the squash at a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place (about 24-27°C) for 1-2 weeks. This process hardens the skin further, healing minor wounds and enhancing sweetness. Cured butternut squash often store for several months under optimal conditions.
Storage Conditions After curing, store butternut squash in a cool, dry, and dark place—around 10-15°C is ideal. Under these conditions, they can keep for up to 3-6 months. Regularly check for signs of rot or soft spots and remove any compromised fruit promptly.
Culinary Uses and Flavor Enhancement
Peak Flavor and Sweetness Fully mature, properly cured butternut squash offers the best taste—sweet, nutty, and slightly caramel-like when roasted. Younger or under-ripe squash might taste bland or watery, while overripe fruits can lose complexity.
Culinary Inspiration
Roasting and Pureeing: Roast wedges with olive oil, salt, and herbs to caramelize their natural sugars. Puree roasted flesh for soups, sauces, or even baked goods.
Stir-Fries and Curries: Diced squash adds a creamy texture and mellow sweetness to curries, stews, and stir-fries.
Salads and Sides: Thinly sliced or shaved butternut can appear in raw salads, while small cubes enhance grain-based dishes like risottos and pilafs.
Seasonal Eating and Sustainability
Local and Seasonal Harvests By harvesting your butternut squash at the right time, you capture its peak nutritional value and flavor while embracing seasonal eating. There’s a certain joy in enjoying a homegrown harvest that reflects the natural rhythm of your garden and climate.
Environmentally Friendly Production Growing and harvesting produce locally reduces the environmental cost of transportation and packaging. Properly timed harvesting, minimal waste, and sustainable soil practices contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.
Community and Sharing A well-timed butternut squash harvest may yield more than you need. Sharing with friends, neighbors, or local community initiatives helps spread seasonal joy and reduces food waste.
Conclusion
Determining when to harvest butternut squash in the UK involves observing the fruit’s color, hardness, and stem condition, as well as staying mindful of weather and frost forecasts. By taking the time to monitor your plants and striking the right balance between maturity and avoiding overripeness, you’ll enjoy sweet, flavorful squash that stores well and brightens your winter meals.
With experience, you’ll refine your judgment and grow more confident in your harvesting decisions—leading to consistently top-quality produce that reflects the very best of your garden’s natural bounty.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About When to Harvest Butternut Squash in the UK
How can I tell if my butternut squash is ripe? Look for a uniform tan color, hard skin that resists a thumbnail impression, and a dry, woody stem.
What if my squash still have green patches? Leave them on the vine longer for more ripening. If frost threatens, consider using mulch or protective covers.
When is the typical harvest window in the UK? Often from late September through October, depending on variety and summer weather.
Can I leave them in the ground after they’ve matured? You can, but harvest before heavy frosts or prolonged cold spells to avoid damage and storage issues.
Is it okay to harvest early to avoid frost? Slightly early harvesting is preferable to losing the crop to frost. They may not be as sweet, but still usable.
How do I cure butternut squash after harvesting? Place them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (24-27°C) for 1-2 weeks to harden the skin and improve flavor.
How long can properly cured butternut squash last in storage? Stored at 10-15°C in a dry, dark place, they can last for 3-6 months.
What if my squash get touched by a light frost? Light frost may not ruin them, but prolonged freezing will. Harvest and use or store them promptly.
Do smaller or larger squash taste different? Flavor depends more on maturity and curing. Fully mature squash, regardless of size, generally have a richer, sweeter flavor.
Can I still eat slightly underripe squash? Yes, though less sweet. Use them in soups or casseroles where other ingredients enhance the flavor.
Gardening With Ben Podcasts
If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.
Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.
You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.
So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧
Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden Allotment Gardening Review
Welcome to our Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden Allotment Gardening Review on the book which is on sale in multiple shops and Amazon. Here we will be reviewing the book and checking what the customers think of the product and how beneficial it is. Starting an allotment can be hard work that is why you may need an allotment book to help give you ideas on when to plant things, how to look after it and when to harvest it.
We also provide the link to the purchase the item from Amazon where you know it is safe and secure to purchase from.
Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden Allotment Gardening Review
About the Allotment Book:-
This allotment book is written by the fantastic Alan Titchmarsh. This is one of his books from a collection of over 40 books in total. Alan is no stranger to gardening with his fantastic tv shows, demonstrating how to garden and look after your plants.
In this book Alan Tichmarsh shows you how to get the most out of your allotment. The topics he covers in this allotment book are:-
* How to assess your plot and work with what you’ve got
* Advice on layout and crop rotation
* Expert guidance on care and maintenance
* Directory of vegetables, fruit and herbs
* Seasonal calendar of what to do when
Purchasing the Book:-
If you are thinking of purchasing this book you can click the Amazon link below which shows it’s current price at the moment. You know it will be safe, secure and trusted if it is for sale on Amazon.
Customer Reviews of the Book
Here we have what the customers think of the product from the reviews of genuine purchases from Amazon. Overall it has been purchased over 100 times from Amazon. The customers have given it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. It has a 74% 5-star rating on Amazon which is great for a book. It shows it is defiantly worth buying.
Here is what a couple of the customers think of the book:-
What can I say other than a superb publication from the king of gardening. Here he applies his extensive knowledge to getting the most from your allotment with such enthusiasm you can’t wait to get down your plot and start digging and planting! All bases are covered and presented in a way that the complete novice can understand, but also, for the more experienced grower, provides useful info for example if growing a particular vegetable for the first time. This book won’t disappoint , thank you Mr T.
We have just got our first allotment and was after some ideas on what to plant etc! Was recommended this book and it’s brilliant so many tips and good ideas also it’s very easy to understand and follow.
We hope that this Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden Allotment Gardening Review has helped you decide if you want this book or if it will make an ideal allotment gift for him or her. If you would like to find more allotment book reviews you can check them out here.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Welcome to our Allotment Gardening For Dummies Review on the book which is on sale in multiple shops and Amazon. Here we will be reviewing the book and checking what the customers think of the product and how beneficial it is. Starting an allotment can be hard work that is why you may need an allotment book to help give you ideas on when to plant things, how to look after it and when to harvest it.
We also provide the link to the purchase the item from Amazon where you know it is safe and secure to purchase from.
Allotment Gardening For Dummies Review
About the Allotment Book:-
This allotment book is perfect for those just starting out on an allotment or those that would like to learn some more information on using an allotment wisely. You will certainly learn a great amount from this book and the reviews for this book from the customers is great. It will be worth picking up one of these books to learn more about starting an allotment and looking after it.
These are the chapters in the book:-
Part 1: Getting to Grips with Allotment Gardening Chapter 1: What Are Allotments All About? Chapter 2: Getting hold of an Allotment Chapter 3: Getting Started
Part 2: Preparing for Allotment Success Chapter 4: Deciding What to Grow, When Chapter 5: Preparing Your Plot Chapter 6: Keeping Your Soil Healthy Chapter 7: Keeping Your Plants Healthy Chapter 8: Growing Organic
Part 3: Growing a Few of Your Favourite Vegetables Chapter 9: Going Underground Chapter 10: The Staples Chapter 11: Growing Leafy Greens Chapter 12: Planting Peas, Beans and Other Pods Chapter 13: Growing More Exotic Veg
Part 4: Extending Your Allotment Repetoire Chapter 14: Growing Wholesome Herbs Chapter 15: Growing Fruitful Fruit Chapter 16: Nurturing Flowers on an Allotment
Part 5: Getting the Most Out of Your Allotment Chapter 17: Involving Children Around the Allotment Chapter 18: Hobnobbing with Allotment Society Chapter 19: Growing Giant Veg
Part 6: The Part of TensChapter Chapter 20: Ten Common Accidents and How to Prevent Them Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Revive a Flagging Allotment
Purchasing the Book:-
If you are thinking of purchasing this book you can click the Amazon link below which shows it’s current price at the moment. You know it will be safe, secure and trusted if it is for sale on Amazon.
Customer Reviews of the Book
Here we have what the customers think of the product from the reviews of genuine purchases from Amazon. Overall it has been purchased over 90 times from Amazon. The customers have given it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. It has an 80% 5-star rating on Amazon which is great for a book. It shows it is defiantly worth buying.
Here is what a couple of the customers think of the book:-
Truly amazing. I have a lot of gardening books (and have reviewed quite a few) which to be honest some of them, I get bored and fed up with the information (sometimes it is too much info or not needed information; and sometimes I find some of the authors it would rather it be about them than the actual subject at hand). This book, however is not one of them. Amazingly clear, no nonsense information on so many subjects herbs, flowers, fruit and veg, seed saving, maintaining an allotment, how to inspire people particularly children into growing food, how to look after the soil (digging method but also no digging as well), weeds and what to do about them, I think all the veg and fruit and herbs you want and need to grow. Don’t be fooled by the ‘for dummies’, it is a superb book high up there among other books either within the for dummies books series or elsewhere. I don’t want to make a different point here, but I think the times we are living in show and bring to light the importance of growing food and the value of communities and coming together as active citizens, neighbours, friends and family and helping people and looking after people for a better future.
If you’re new to allotment or vegetable gardening this is a good book for you. A good book on the subject and one you can easily dip into for information. Follows the usual format of dummies books so is easy to follow with all the usual highlights. Worth a read for sure and one of the better useful books
We hope that this Allotment Gardening For Dummies Review has helped you decide if you want this book or if it will make an ideal allotment gift for him or her. If you would like to find more allotment book reviews you can check them out here.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
