newag
Full Member
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:03 pm

Opinions needed --Should I cut one of the stems off?

I am new at gardening and need to know if I should cut one of the stems off of my zucchini and squash plants. Both plants are in different containers, but each have two main stems (I'm assuming that means there are two plants in each container???) I have asked several people and some say yes, they will grow better if there is only one and some say "I don't know" and my husband says "leave it alone." I've attached pictures of both the zuchini and squash. You can see that right now they appear to be doing great. I'm just not sure if they will continue to do well (or do as well) if there are two in the same pot. Also, I have one (well, a pair) just like this in the ground (zucchini.) Should I cut one of those off at the base, or would it be different because it's in the ground? I am afraid that I will hurt the plant if I cut if off. Also, I'm afraid if "something gets one" and it dies, then I would still have the other one (of the pair.)

[img]https://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5563/squash1.jpg[/img]
Shot at 2011-06-22 [img]https://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6181/squashlookingdownonit.jpg[/img]
Shot at 2011-06-22 [img]https://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8464/squashsideview.jpg[/img]
Shot at 2011-06-22 [img]https://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8571/zuchini1.jpg[/img]
Shot at 2011-06-22 [img]https://img542.imageshack.us/img542/1831/zucchinisideview.jpg[/img]
Shot at 2011-06-22

garden5
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 3062
Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:40 pm
Location: ohio

Those actually look like 2 plants growing in the pot. In that case, I would cut them so that there is only one since squash plants have an extensive root system and will be cramped enough in a pot, let a lone 2.

Other than than that, they look very healthy.

newag
Full Member
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:03 pm

thanks for your reply. If I decide to do this, which should I do, if they both look good? Will I temporarily stunt the one left behind?? Just needing to know what to expect.

Any other opinions out there? I probably will cut them off....I'm just so nervous about it.....



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