Squash, Squash, Squash

​Both of us tend to avoid the squash patches of our gardens from June to September.  As long as the area looks healthy and green, we just hope that there are lots of squash developing under all the foliage.  So, Thursday after harvest was finished, I went squash diving.  I grabbed my phone and waded in to check out our situation.  I came out with a twisted ankle and a set of pictures that I have been trying to match up with what we planted this spring.

When we looked at our business goals while we were picking seed this spring, we decided that we would only grow plants that were edible.  We aren’t a pumpkin patch!  Since I was charged with the squash seed, I took the challenge to find varieties that were edible but beautiful ornamentals.  Who doesn’t love a pile of multi-colored pumpkins to celebrate harvest?  That does mean that in my pictures are our old stand-by’s – butternut, spaghetti and acorn.  But it also means that I have some questions – Winter Sweet, Jarrahdale, Carnival, Winter Luxury…???  We planted 14 different kinds of squash and pumpkins!  What were we thinking?

There are some on the list that obviously didn’t do well under my care this summer.  Some are small, too immature or just didn’t make squash.  We may find them hidden in Bonnie’s garden when we venture out squash diving there.  These aren’t failures, just an added bit of information in our garden notebooks about what seed to pick next year.  In our opinion – you can’t plant the same garden every year but have to add in something new or interesting just for the challenge.

Here are some pics and list of what may be coming to your basket.  I don’t know if it will be come with a sigh of relief or disappointment but, you will not receive a dozen more squash in the last couple weeks of the CSA!  Everyone should get a spaghetti, a butternut, a baking pumpkin for pies or breads and one of the decorative squash (but edible!).

Acorns – We do have 3 kinds this year – the standard dark green, the “cream of the crop” and the carnival.

Spaghetti – The one that doesn’t taste like “squash”.

Butternut – A favorite of all squash lovers

And now the new ones...

Baby Blue Hubbard -- A small hubbard squash for the couple instead of the family.

Autumn Crown – This pumpkin will ripen to a pale creamy orange and is comparable to butternut squash.  Another great one for my front step!

Buttercup – We haven’t grown this one in the past but it was requested last year by a couple of our members. 

Winter Sweet – A kobocha type squash with edible skin.  It will be a light gray when ripe with orange flesh.  Sweet!

Red October – A bright red hubbard shaped squash.  Squash soup anyone?

Shamrock – Like the name implies, these squash ripen to a light green color and are shaped like a three leaf clover.  They look amazing and will be one of the first to adorn my front step in October.  Protect it from frost on your step and then enjoy it during November or December.

​Then there are a couple mystery pumpkins.  I have a guess but wouldn't put money on which is in the pictures and which isn't!

Jarrahdale – When you are looking at pumpkins in the seed catalog, you HAVE to pick a blue one and a white one.  This is a large blue pumpkin that is excellent for baking when you are done admiring it.
Valenciano – And here is the white pumpkin.  I found one that is has the dual purpose of becoming your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
Winter Luxury – An orange pumpkin with white webbing.  Not that special to look at but will be delicious in your fall pie baking.
Kakai – Roasted pumpkin seeds?  This is your pumpkin to make easy cleaning and prep work so the delicious snack is a snap.

I am almost positive that some of these varieties aren’t going to mature by the last basket.  Looking for one in particular?  Let us know and we can hook up in October!