Why do my butternut squash make fruit and when the fruit is still small it turns brown and dies?
Here are some links that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-blossom-end-rot-causes-and-treatment.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-fruit-falling-off-the-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/tips-for-growing-squash.htm
Can I plant the seeds from my squash I grew last year and expect a good crop?
You can plant the harvested seeds from your squash. If the seeds are from a hybrid, they may not be true to seed. Meaning the new plant may not resemble the original plant.
The amount of harvest from any season is dependent on many things; seed, soil, environment and nutrition.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/growing-butternut-squash.htm
My squash plants are growing like mad. They are all over my vegetable plot. Can I cut back the tentacles? I have so many flowers developing into fruits. I don't want all the extra growth to take nourishment out of the fruits. Plus I haven't the room to let them carry on growing.
This is the nature of this plant.
You can carefully move vines. Providing a trellis is another way to help control the vines.
When it comes to squash vines, yes, you can prune them. It is simply a matter of preference. If they are becoming a little too unruly, or are beginning to take over everything in their twining paths, then pruning may be right choice for you. However, keep in mind that once you begin snipping away at the vines, you might reduce your harvest.
If pruning is desired, some suggest leaving at least 3 to 5 developing fruits to keep the vine flourishing while also ensuring you have enough squash to harvest.
we found a tree in our woods & wonder when do you pick them, & how long do you have to dry them before shelling them, & how do you crack them & shell them? Thanks, Esther
This article should help. As it says, just follow the same instructions for black walnuts:
http://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/factsheets/064.shtml
My plant is not happy- I am pretty sure I need to transfer it out of the container and into the ground, but I am not certain where to put it and the ground soil likely needs amending. Vines and blossoms came forth, but the blossoms would open then break off. Now they are dying. Is there any salvaging this poor plant at this point?
In a container you need to water daily and even twice a day if the temperatures are above 85 degrees.
Your plant will need full sunshine.
These articles will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/growing-squash-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/growing-butternut-squash.htm
Can I use seeds from a butternut squash that I just cut open to plant in my garden in about three weeks?
Yes, I have done this many times. This article will help you to prepare them for planting: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-seed-harvesting.htm
What type of fertilizer should be used for butternut squash?
You can add a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, when preparing the soil before planting and again add alongside the plants (but not touching the stems) later in the season when the squash have started to grow. For an organic option, compost is always good.