Expanding marrows and other squashes

You will recall last years scientific experiment when Gnome decided to re enact his Grandfathers tale of how to expand your marrows the night before a show. You will also recall that it was a sad failure after three weeks of trial. Well, Gardeners World this month has a small article and photo of how it should be done, claiming that it is a gardeners best kept secret ! However, Gnome has noticed that it is done with a larger wick that the piece of cotton that he was using. Jay cloth seems to be the answer. But it did bring a smile to his face, Grandfather was right after all !