GARDENER'S READING ROOM
Edibles

Spaghetti Squash & Company
(To Zucchini and Beyond!)

Zucchini shaped like bowling balls? Winter squash with flesh that separates into spaghetti-like strands when cooked? Seriously, no joke! Squash provides the home gardener and chef with a wide range of shapes, colors, textures, flavors and uses in the kitchen.

Technically speaking, most squash are pumpkins, and those big competition pumpkins are actually squash. Then it starts getting complex.... For us gardeners, squash are divided into two groups, summer and winter. Summer varieties typically mature in 50 – 70 days and have a soft skin and a mild flavor. Winter varieties mature in 90 – 120 days, are thick skinned, have firm flesh and a sweeter, nuttier flavor. Because of their thick skin, they store and keep well long after harvest.

Squash cultural requirements are identical to cucumbers. Plant out in mid-May when temperatures have warmed. Full sun is essential, as is ample and regular watering throughout the growing season. Provide fertile, well drained soil and a cup of Whitney Farms Vegetable Food worked in at planting time, and later a top dressing of fertilizer at first fruit set.

The most common problem with growing squash is pollination. Squash relies on bee and insect activity for successful fruit set. Misshapen fruit, few or no fruit, and fruit that falls off, are often the result of poor pollination.

Summer squash produces quick results. How do you like your Zucchini? Black, yellow, green, spineless, striped, long or round? Bright yellow Crookneck squash are wonderful lightly sautéed. Papaya Pear is a nice semi-bush variety that is shaped like its name and matures in just 40 days. If it's a scalloped shape that you fancy, you'll want to try Patty Pan (green) or Sunburst (yellow).

Winter squash requires more patience, but is well worth the wait. Harvest when fully mature, typically after the first light frost in the fall. Leaving at least an inch of stem attached will ensure higher sugar content.

Acorn is probably the favorite winter squash for baking, followed by Butternut with its sweet, nutty flavor. My personal favorite is Delicata, an heirloom variety known for its sweet potato like flavor. Hubbard is one of the best keepers; it's excellent for pies. Sweet Dumpling is the perfect single serving size, tipping the scales at a mere 7 ounces.

Squash are extremely satisfying and easy to grow. The quick results of summer squash and the long keeping qualities of winter squash combine to make a bountiful addition to your vegetable garden.

By Lynn Wright
Skylights Spring/Summer 2006 Vol 21, No. 2

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