Question
I recently noticed a plant growing in my flower bed that I thought looked like yellow squash.  Now the vine has started to grow up the porch and is producing what looks like little yellow pumpkins.  What is this?

Answer
Dear Tonya,
It could be a pumpkin, a squash, or even a gourd.  If you've tossed seeds from a pumpkin or squash, then it could be a volunteer.  If you live in a neighborhood that had jack-o-lanterns, it's very possible to have a volunteer pumpkin plant, the next year.  If it continues to get larger, it's probably not a gourd, but as a rule, gourds are not edible and many are poisonous.  I recommend you let it grow a little longer, then pick a leaf and one of the fruit and inquire at a local greenhouse or nursery.  I'm sure they could identify what you have.  Squash matures much quicker on the vine than pumpkins, if that's of any help.  If you get the possibility of gourd ruled out, you may have a real enjoyable edible.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us