Gardening for Old Folks (Adaptative)

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you took it out before a diagnosis, they shouldn't, but with insurance companies, you never know. My father died of cancer many, many years ago. His life insurance tried to cancel by saying he had the cancer before he took out the policy. He probably did, he just wasn't diagnosed.

I'm have hypothyroidism and it wasn't a problem when I took out my policy.



Everything is better with Kerrygold butter!

I like zucchini & yellow crook neck (summer) squash. I usually slice or cube it into a skillet and saute it with butter until tender. I've never tried any other squash. I've thought about trying patty pan. I think it's cute and would be an easy trellis grower.

I got an early Christmas present today. DH picked it up for me while he was at work. I haven't used it yet, but I did roll it around. DH made sure it would fit in the chicken pens before he got it. He actually measured it for me to make sure.

It's grey & red with metal handles with rubber grips. It handles very well, easy turn and sturdy. Can't wait to use it once the rain stops.

View attachment 1215973

You and I are alike, no jewelry or girly stuff here, a wheelbarrow would make me happy too.

 

[lazy gardener]

I've never tried any other squash. I've thought about trying patty pan. I think it's cute and would be an easy trellis grower.

I believe Patty pan grows in a bush, like zucchini.

Even better than a new wheel barrow would be a truck load of compost, manure, or mulch.

 

[henless]

I've got topsoil coming in for the raised beds, once the rain lets up long enough.

So patty pan doesn't grow like summer squash, it's more compact? How does it taste?

 

[lazy gardener]

It grows like a summer squash. I've never trellised those. I'm not a fan of patty pan. But, the texture is a bit firmer than summer squash or zucchini, so that's good. You really have to stay on top of them and keep them picked when they are tiny. I grew Benning's green tint.

 

[N F C]

OK... time for a survey. You have tossed your gauntlet! Calling all adaptive gardeners: Is squash worthy of a place on the dinner plate... between the potatoes and the meat??? Or is it best to serve it to the chickens? If it's worthy of a spot on your plate, what's your favorite variety, and how should it be prepared and served???

Butternut, acorn, spaghetti...those are all good squash but the one I like best is one we grew in FL called Buttercup. Delicious!

The pattypan seemed too small to really mess with. Zucchini and yellow are ok if you sautéed them before they got too big.

 

[N F C]

I got an early Christmas present today. DH picked it up for me while he was at work. I haven't used it yet, but I did roll it around. DH made sure it would fit in the chicken pens before he got it. He actually measured it for me to make sure.

It's grey & red with metal handles with rubber grips. It handles very well, easy turn and sturdy. Can't wait to use it once the rain stops.

View attachment 1215973

Very nice present!

 

[chickmom3941]

I still think they ALL are bland. But I will eat them as long as there is something else on plate to distract my taste buds. A very looooooong time ago when I first inquired about butternut squash, someone gave me this cooking/baking advice.
Cut in half and dig out seeds. Into that cavity fill with butter. Bake until done.
Has anyone tried this method, or was it just that persons personal method???

I often make it very similar to that. I cut the squash in fourths, spread with butter (cut deep slits in the fleshy areas so the butter seeps into the slits), sprinkle with garlic salt w/parsley, and black pepper, and bake. My family loves it that way!

In regards to the poll about our favorite squash - I love them all, but have to agree with NFC that buttercup squash are superb. My brother gave us a few that he had grown, and they were really, REALLY good! Probably my favorite so far, but I have lots of varieties I still want to try growing (already have seeds for some new varieties to grow next year).

 

[chickmom3941]

If you took it out before a diagnosis, they shouldn't, but with insurance companies, you never know. My father died of cancer many, many years ago. His life insurance tried to cancel by saying he had the cancer before he took out the policy. He probably did, he just wasn't diagnosed.

I'm have hypothyroidism and it wasn't a problem when I took out my policy.



Everything is better with Kerrygold butter!

I like zucchini & yellow crook neck (summer) squash. I usually slice or cube it into a skillet and saute it with butter until tender. I've never tried any other squash. I've thought about trying patty pan. I think it's cute and would be an easy trellis grower.

I got an early Christmas present today. DH picked it up for me while he was at work. I haven't used it yet, but I did roll it around. DH made sure it would fit in the chicken pens before he got it. He actually measured it for me to make sure.

It's grey & red with metal handles with rubber grips. It handles very well, easy turn and sturdy. Can't wait to use it once the rain stops.

View attachment 1215973

Oh, man - that is just what I need! I really want an easy to handle wheelbarrow that I can use next year in the yard. Lucky you!

 

[rjohns39]

I have a new favorite squash. It seems like every variety I try becomes my new favorite. I always thought Butternut to be bland, and not even worth the effort to cook it. That is all my BIL ever buys, and I for the life of me have not been able to figure out why he would even bring such a bland veggie home from the store. So... this summer, I decided to try growing it. Just to see if it's the variety that's objectionable, or perhaps the fact that all I've ever tried is commercially grown Butternut. Yep. Home grown Butternut is my new absolutely best fave. For now! Last year, it was Blue Hubbard! Same thing. Home grown rocks!!!

Butternut will be super easy to grow on a trellis, as it's not as big as a Blue Hubbard!!

I grow butternut every couple of years and can up the extras, hence every couple years. Favorite butternut recipe is roasted butternut soup. Depending on my mood it can be savory or sweet and always with a little bite.

I still think they ALL are bland. But I will eat them as long as there is something else on plate to distract my taste buds. A very looooooong time ago when I first inquired about butternut squash, someone gave me this cooking/baking advice.
Cut in half and dig out seeds. Into that cavity fill with butter. Bake until done.
Has anyone tried this method, or was it just that persons personal method???

I have in about a dozen different variants. It can be a nice neutral pallet to carry what ever flavor you want to the table or it can be the star. I prefer mine roasted with minimal seasonings. Crazy as it sounds, I've also found that most pumpkin, sweet potato and squash recipes are interchangeable with little adjustment. I've also found that squash and pumpkin make a nice addition to a fall roasted root veg or roasted root vegetable soup based upon their texture, they have to go in nearly last but their soft and sweet flavor provides nice balance against the other root veg.

 

[N F C]

Roasted root vegetables (like @rjohns39 posted) are the best!

Another way I make up squash is to mash it with butter, salt, pepper and a bit of milk. They can be whipped up like mashed potatoes and are really good as a side dish.