Scorching weather often reduces gardens (and gardeners!) to a parched, shabby mess, but a targeted programme of watering and cutting back can work wonders

Pumpkins, courgettes and marrows, (collectively labelled ‘squash’) are members of a diverse botanical group: cucurbits. They are well-adapted to outdoor living – although the cucurbit family also includes aubergines, cucumbers and melons that typically require the protection of a greenhouse.