A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 My winter squash are splitting

Does anyone know why my butternut squash may be splitting? They have gotten very big - just too big or is there another problem? Here in Colorado we've had a lot of rain this summer - very unusual for us - so my cucumbers are also curving. Could excess water also be causing my squash to grow too quickly and split? The squash are a beautiful size, but the skins are still greenish, not tan yet so I know they aren't ready to harvest. Help!

fluctuating temps, a rainy spell or excessive watering-after a dry spell can do this; Also, what do you use for fertilizer? any fertilizer with a high K; in the NPK ratio, at this stage will cause increased growth; however, it Can also cause ANY type of winter Squash or Pumpkin to actually, BLOW OUT. Let me know if this helps

I was interested to read that a high K can blow out squash. Having moved into an area with new soil conditions, my zukes are fat and pudgy, even when small. I bought them as starts as we moved here late in growing season; I thought they'd been mis-labeled! Thanx for the tip!