How to Grow Squash

How to grow squash starts with the understand of the terms summer and winter. Squash determination is based on current usage, not on the actual name.

Summer types are on the market all winter and winter types are on the markets in the late summer and fall, as well as winter.

This terminology was never meant to confuse? it just dates back to a time when the seasons were more crucial to man's survival than they are now. Good keepers became known as winter vegetables if they would store well until December.

Winter squash comes in shapes round and elongated, scalloped and pear-shaped with flesh that ranges from golden-yellow to brilliant orange. Most winter squashes are vine-type plants whose fruits are harvested when fully mature.

They take longer to mature than summer squash and are best harvested once the cool weather of Fall sets in. They can be stored for months in a cool basement-hence the name winter squash.

Stay away from pumpkins, whether they're the classic field type or the original French variety. Carve them, but don't eat them: they're tough and bland.

Winter squash have hard, thick skins. Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for up to one month. Winter squash can be cut in halves or pieces. Too cook them, first remove fibers and seeds; then bake, steam, or boil the squash.

How to grow squash continues with knowing how to cook them. When water is used in cooking, the quantity of water should be kept small to avoid losing flavor and nutrients. Acorn and butternut squash are frequently cut in half, baked, and served in the shell. Squash pulp is also used for pies and may be prepared in casseroles, souffles, pancakes, and custards. When storing place squash on top of thick pads of newspapers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Check on a regular basis for rot and use within three to six months. Refrigerate tightly wrapped cut pieces of winter squash, such as banana, and use within five days.

How to grow squash continues with knowing that squash matures on the vine and develops an inedible, thick, hard rind and tough seeds. Because this rind makes most squash difficult to peel, it's easier to cook the unpeeled squash, and then scoop out the cooked flesh. Wash the exterior of the squash just before using. The seeds are scooped out before or after cooking.

To cut in half, grasp the squash firmly and use a sharp knife to slice through to the center. Then flip and cut the other side until the squash falls open. Remove and discard the seeds. To bake a whole (1 to 1 1/2 pound) winter squash, pierce the rind with a fork and bake in a 350-degree oven 45 minutes. Test for doneness by piercing with a fork.

Boil or steam quarters or rings 25 minutes or until tender. To microwave, place halves or quarters, cut side down, in a shallow dish; add 1/4 cup water. Cover tightly and microwave on HIGH 6 minutes per pound.

All varieties are great for eating, roasting and baking. Once squash is cooked and mashed, it can be used in soups, main dishes, vegetable side dishes, even breads, muffins, custards and pies.

Boil or mash winter squash just as you would potatoes. Or add peeled squash cubes to your favorite soups, stews, beans, gratins and vegetable ragouts.

For summer choose young squash with tender skin. Wash and cut in 1/2-inch slices. Water blanch 3 minutes. Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Seal and freeze.

For winter choose firm, well-shaped squash that are heavy for their size and have a hard, tough skin. Do not choose those that have sunken or moldy spots. Avoid squash with cuts or punctures in the skin. Also, slight variations in skin color do not affect flavor. A tender rind indicates immaturity, which is a sign of poor quality in winter squash varieties.

Wash and cut squash into small pieces, remove seeds and peel. Cook until soft. Mash pulp or put through sieve. Cool by placing pan containing squash over crushed ice and stir until cool. Place in an appropriate freeze bag, or container, with 1/2" head space; freeze.

We will continue our series on how to grow squash when our plants start to emerge.

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For more on squash visit How to Grow Acorn Squash, Growing Acorn Squash, Growing Winter Squash and Growing Butternut Squash.

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