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A Summer of Squash
Save a few monsters for creative fall and Halloween decorations. The Summer of Squash, 'Cucurbita pepo', contains a bevy of beauties for summer squash flavor and color. Harvest at blossom stage; baby fruit; or mature squash to enjoy months of summer's abundance. Stuffed and sauteed squash blossoms are a gourmet delight; baby fruit, sometimes with the flower still attached, are a tender treat either steamed or eaten raw; and there are at least 1001 uses for mature summer squash in soups, side dishes, entrees and desserts. Squash are heavy feeders so apply fertilizer according to growth needs every 3 to 4 weeks. The seven varieties include are Black Beauty, Caserta, Cocozelle, Crookneck, Golden Straightneck, Round, and Tatume. The soil should be well drained and rich in organic material. Plant in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks after last average frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees. Seven varieties of zucchinis, crookneck and straightneck squash offer the best possibilities for culinary creativity. ... additional info
Carrot - Babette The first sowing should be 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. The Carrot Baby Babette, 'Daucus carota var staivus', is a gourmet mini-carrot that was bred in France. Do successive planting every 3 weeks until 70 days before the first fall frost. Did you know that grocery store carrots are actually cored regular carrots? Once you try the sweet and crisp flavor of this "true" baby carrot, you will never look back. The single most important factor in growing carrots is to have a deep, clod and rock free, well drained soil. Carrot seed germinates in soils as cold as 45 degrees, but performs best in warm soils. In very warm climates carrots are grown primarily in the fall. Even moisture is essential. Gardening News and Articles |
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