GARDENING ZONE MAP
Posted on Sunday, June 21st, 2009 at 4:16 am
How can I tell when the squash I’m growing in my garden is ready to be picked?
I live in zone 5 of the growing map. I don’t want to dig the squash up if it’s not ready (Ripe)
When a squash palnt blooms it is a matter of 2 days you will see tiny squash behind the large yellow flowers….it can be picked at this stage if you want to it is a delicatessan….however for maximum food..dont let it grow over 6 inches long to pick, for it gets too tough..squash will grow as big as small watermelons sometimes if you let it go, but inedible at this stage..it is a gourd..Some people take the tiny squash with the blooms attached, squash being no bigger than 1 to 2 inches long….they spread the blooms open, fill with cream cheese, dip in a batter of your choice, and then deep fry!…Check out my squash plants on my flickr photos….page 11 picture titled ’squash” picture 005..link below..u do not dig squash btw..you pick each one individually..also squash is a morphadike, so you will see some of the flowers on long stems and no squash..these are the male flowers…
THE CREW – AMSTERDAM WEED