MUST TRY SQUASHES AND PUMPKINS
- In the western world we have started to only associate pumpkins and squash with halloween decorations. However, us gardeners are all to aware of the hidden joys of growing and eating pumpkins and squashes and the wide ranch of varieties that are now available.
- Pumpkins and squash are greedy plants. As a result make sure they are planted in nutrient rich soil and will require a really good drink twice a week (more if grown in large pots/containers)
- Here are some of my top varieties to try at home:
Baby Boo
-If you are growing a pumpkin for the purpose of a halloween
decoration then look no further. Baby Boo pumpkins as the
name suggests are a smaller variety and will happily grow in
a 45cm pot up a bamboo cane trellis.
- Baby boo pumpkins are also a striking white colour, which
can add some variety to your halloween decorations.
-Baby boo do not have any other special growing requirements,
so for growing tips simply follow our pumpkins and squash grow
Atlantic giant
-Atlantic giant pumpkins can be a real show stopper if grown
with the right conditions.
- They can grow into the thousands of pounds in weight and
even in our colder damp climate, I have managed to grow one
to 200lbs!
- Sow the seeds in a heated greenhouse or on a windowsill in
April to allow enough time for the fruits to fully develop in our
short growing season.
-This is one variety that I would not grow in a container. Not
only will this not provide enough moisture and nutrition, but
these are very large plants and will need a large patch of land
to sprawl out on.
Patty Pan 'sunburst'
- Lovely little yellow squash that are harvested while small
- They are perfect for pickling or even harvested and added
to salads
- For my preference the ideal size to harvest is when the fruit
is around 5 to 7cm
Butternut
-Butternut squash needs no introduction! This is one squash
you will find in all supermarkets and grocery stores.
- This squash is a favourite for cooking. Whether it is blended
into soups, baked in the over or even fried butternut squash
is a must for all kitchen gardens that have space
- There are various varieties of butternut squash and in my
opinion they are all equally sweet and there is no right or
wrong choice
Spaghetti Squash
-If you only have space for one squash on your vegetable
patch this is the one I would go for!
-Spaghetti squash is rapidly becoming more popular, and
there is good reason for that! When cooked the flesh
separates into a delicious healthy alternative to Spaghetti.
- They can be quite large plants but I have successfully grown
them in pots up a trellis
- As the squash starts to ripen it will turn a lovely yellow colour
giving you a visual indication on when to harvest.
Turks Turban
- Lovely little attractive fruits, that almost appear to have
their own little hat.
- These are often seen pilled up in Halloween displays
-While edible there are better options if you are growing a
squash or pumpkin to eat. Turks Turban are much better
grown as an autumn ornamental
Little Gem Rolet
- A lovely little squash that are harvested when the fruits are
no larger than a tennis ball!
- If you have a sweet tooth this is the squash for you, when
cooked it has a lovely sweet flavour while not loosing the
destinctive squash taste.
- To save time this can be cooked without peeling
- Does not require a large growing space so perfect for those
smaller spots
Queensland Blue
-One of my favourites to grow, it is a large winter squash
with a beautiful blue/grey skin
- Inside they have a beautiful golden flesh that is a real
winter treat when baked
- They do grow to a decent size 5 to 12kg
Autumn Crown
- This is one you may have trouble finding seeds but
if you get the chance it is a must grow.
- Autumn crown is a cross between the very attractive
crown prince squash and the chefs favourite butternut
squash
- It has a very unique sweet but nutty flavour that is a
must try
