A volunteer squash plant appeared in the vegetable bed and is growing enthusiastically. I didn't plan for it, and its leaves are already shading herbs nearby. Part of me wants to let the surprise develop; the practical side says it will swallow the space. How do you decide whether an unplanned plant earns a spot in a crowded garden? I'm tempted to give it one corner and prune aggressively.
Deciding whether a volunteer plant is worth keeping in a crowded bed
- gardening
- volunteer
- plant
- keeping
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4 replies
If it’s a squash, I’d be cautious. One plant can turn into a bully pretty fast, especially in a bed that’s already crowded.
If it’s a squash, I’d be cautious. One plant can turn into a bully pretty fast, especially in a bed that’s already crowded.
Prune it hard and see how it behaves for a week. If it keeps shading everything else, I’d move it out or pull it.
I’d also ask whether you actually want squash that season. A volunteer can be fun, but not if it eats the herbs you planned to use.