Your 2024 Garden

[Sally PB]

This is my first year growing butternut squash. I see several squash in different stages of ripeness. I know they tan up a bit.

Any advise on when to pick?

When I grew B-nut, I left them until the vine died UNLESS something started chewing on them. The skin gets tough, so it was not usually the first thing something would pick to chew on.

I had to be sure that I got them inside before any frost.

 

[Nomadicus]

I got another row of summer squash that had a few Butter Bush squash in it planted just before dark yesterday. I also got another row of those fabulous pink eye purple hull peas planted before dark. That garden block is completely planted now. Not it is time to lay out another block for broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and cool weather things that will produce in late fall.

 

[Nomadicus]

I got side tracked with so many things going on I didn't get pumpkins planted for my chickens. They are going to be really upset with me now. Maybe someone will have some at a local farmers market.

 

[fuzzi]

I transplanted some iris from a spot where they'd never bloomed to a location that gets more sun.

I think they like it, look at the shoots!

 

[NanaK]

I got side tracked with so many things going on I didn't get pumpkins planted for my chickens. They are going to be really upset with me now. Maybe someone will have some at a local farmers market.

If you planted now, you may have time for the small pie pumpkins. I planted some the end of April and I have several I think need picking now.
The chickens love them.

 

[NanaK]

When I grew B-nut, I left them until the vine died UNLESS something started chewing on them. The skin gets tough, so it was not usually the first thing something would pick to chew on.

I had to be sure that I got them inside before any frost.

Thanks!
We usually do not get frost till Halloween or later.
They still have quite a bit of green foliage so I will watch them closely.

 

[Sally PB]

I don't know if the squash get bigger or more flavorful. I would guess that maybe the seeds develop more...?

B-nut seeds are excellent roasted like pumpkin seeds. When I'd cut open a squash, I'd either roast the seeds, or give seeds and guts to the chickens.

If you're going to save the seeds for the next year's planting, you would want them to be fully developed.

 

[NanaK]

I don't know if the squash get bigger or more flavorful. I would guess that maybe the seeds develop more...?

I did some research but much prefer hearing personal experience.

From what I read they get sweeter as the skin hardens off. You need the skin to toughen up so they will store without rotting so fast.
I guess like pumpkins?
I have nothing for comparison. Learning experience.

B-nut seeds are excellent roasted like pumpkin seeds. When I'd cut open a squash, I'd either roast the seeds, or give seeds and guts to the chickens.

I had not thought of roasting.
I will try a few. Would be a good snack for my DH. (Diabetic) If he likes them the chickens will have to share.

I probably won't save seed this year for planting. It is a hybrid called Indian Brave bought this year. I have plenty for next year. It has mildew resistance which I need.

Thank you for the
suggestions!

 

[rosemarythyme]

From what I read they get sweeter as the skin hardens off. You need the skin to toughen up so they will store without rotting so fast.
I guess like pumpkins?
I have nothing for comparison. Learning experience.

I've only grown fall/winter squash once, and yes you want the skin to toughen up as much as possible and then you'll be able to store it for a few months. I think I resorted to storing the squash in the garage on top of rolls of bird netting, to keep air circulation on all sides.

 

[Sally PB]

to keep air circulation on all sides.

Good idea! When I had butternut squash in long term storage, I could keep them well into winter. Unless they started to get some mold/mildew on them.