Author: Brian

Crooked neck squash is a type of summer squash that would be a great addition to your garden. It’s so easy growing crooked neck squash and you can enjoy some nice flavorful squash dishes from it. They can be used for both raw and cooking applications.

This squash is a warm-season vegetable that grows so easily and fast. It is also a very prolific summer squash plant.

In this article, we are going to be looking at growing crooked neck squash. We will as well look into commencing crooked squash from seeds or seedlings, the right time to plant this squash, and many more. So let’s begin.

Crookneck Squash

Crooked neck squash is also known as yellow squash because of its yellow-skinned nature. It is botanically a member of Cucurbita pepo. From the name ‘crooked’ we can see the shape of the neck is bent or curved. The shape can somehow be compared to a bottle shape. The flesh of this summer squash may be smooth or bumpy.

Crookneck squash is mostly found in North America. Up until the arrival of zucchini squash, the crookneck squash was majorly the dominant summer squash grown.

This squash can be harvested when it’s still immature as a baby yellow crooked squash. It can as well be harvested when it’s fully matured in its full size. It can also be left on the vine to mature fully to a hardened gourd stage. Crooked neck squash is one of the very few summer squash that can be dried to a gourd-like stage.

This tasty squash is packed with great nutrients such as carotenoid, lutein, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, fiber, folate, and bioavailable copper.

Crookneck Yellow Squash Plant

Crooked neck squash plants love to be grown in a warm environment. Hence, growing crooked neck squash plants should be in the warm season. Unlike other winter squashes and pumpkins, they don’t grow on long vines, so they are easier to be grown in a container and small spaces.

Let’s dive in further and see how to grow this flavorful summer squash.

Growing Crooked Neck Yellow Squash Plants

Growing crooked neck squash is pretty easy and it’s a great choice for beginner gardeners. Starting this squash from their seeds is pretty straightforward and they will grow optimally especially when seeded directly into the soil garden.

This squash can b grown in most types of soil and the soil should be very fertile. For optimal results, we recommend you work or mix about 2 to 4 inches of compost or other garden soil amendments as required.

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Growing Crooked Neck Squash From Seeds

As we mentioned, crooked neck squash requires rich soil to thrive well because they are heavy feeders.

After working the soil with appropriate compost or soil amendments, proceed to seed planting. Plan to sow your seeds around 2 weeks after the last frost or when the soil outside is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Plant your seed by pressing it into the soil to about 1 inch deep. Then cover the seed with some soil or compost and water adequately.

Give the crooked squash seed spacing of about 2 to 3 feet apart. The majority of summer squash doesn’t usually grow in a vine manner. They tend to grow several feet wide. Therefore, it’s crucial you don’t crowd this squash so they don’t get invaded by squash bugs and powdery mildew if they end up getting any infestation.

You should begin to see germination within 3 to 10 days of seed sowing. The first fruit production should be within 60 days of planting. The crooked neck squash plant can keep producing fruit until frost or diseases end their growth.

Growing Crooked Neck Squash From Seedlings

You can as well start your seeds indoors and transplant the germinated young seedlings outdoors. You can also purchase the seedlings from your local garden stores.

It is essential you harden off your seedlings two weeks before transplanting. Do this by leaving them outside or exposing them to outdoor conditions so they can adjust to outdoor conditions.

Once it’s time for transplanting your seedlings outdoors, prepare the soil just like you would do for seeds by working in some compost before planting. Carefully remove the plant’s root ball from its container. Make a hole in the same depth of the container and plant your seedlings.

Plant spacing should be at least 2 feet apart. Ensure you water the seedlings appropriately.

Growing Recommendations For Growing Crooked Neck Squash

Here are some growing requirements for crooked neck squash:

• Sunlight: As a warmth-loving plant, crooked neck squash requires a sunny spot. Ensure the soil temperature outdoors is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.

• Soil and Soil pH: The soil for this squash must be well-draining. The soil should also be worked in by compost or other soil amendments. Crooked neck squash thrives well in a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.

• Watering: This squash plant should be watered optimally. Water deep at least once a week. The soil needs to be moist so aim to water to a depth of 4 inches. It’s better to feed your plant one long drink of water than watering several times at different periods. You can tell your plants require watering by looking at their appearance. During the day when the weather is hot, the leaves tend to wilt. However, when night comes, the leaves tend to spring back. But if you notice the leaves don’t spring back pr they’re still wilted the next morning, it’s important you water your squash immediately.

• Mulch: When you’re done planting, ensue you mulch around your seedlings to prevent weeds and maintain warm and moist soil.

• Fertilize: Crooked neck squash are heavy feeders so it’s important you fertilize your soil. You can side-dress your plants with a 5-10-10 fertilizer. The nitrogen level of the fertilizer should be kept low so your squash plant can produce more squash rather than more leaves.

FAQ’s

Final Say

Growing crooked neck squash is really easy and you can always enjoy the result of your squash plant once they’re ready for harvest.

Your crooked neck squash should be ready for picking from 45 to 65 days after planting depending on the variety grown. If you want better tasting squash, harvest them when they reach about 6 inches in length.

Now that planting season is over and done with. It’s now time for harvesting our tasty veg. Acorn squash is another amazing kind of veg to grow in your garden but do you know when they are ready to pick? Let’s find out.

Acorn squash is from the family of winter squash that is grown and harvested just like other kinds of winter squash variety. When it comes to harvesting, winter squash is quite different from summer squash.

Getting to know when acorn squash is ready to pick isn’t so difficult and we will let you know in this post. So, let’s begin.

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a type of winter squash fruit that is from the family Cucurbita pepo and they are great in culinary dishes. Their outer skin is smooth with a hard skin and dry flesh. Acorn squash often has a dark green with a yellow or orange marking. It may also have orange or white variegated color.

The inner flesh has a golden (yellow-orange) color with a firm grip and buttery nutty taste. The texture is somewhat stringy and it has this sweet flavor.

With their sweet flavor, this acorn squash fruit can pair well with a wide variety of seasonings both savory and sweet.

One acorn squash, which is about 2 pounds, can make a meal for two when you stuff them with filling ingredients. Then baked and served right in their shell.

When Is Acorn Squash Ready To Pick

Getting to know when to pick acorn squash is very important so you don’t pick them at the wrong time. The confusing thing is that this squash can always turns green before they mature and they even stay green long after they are matured.

Gardeners would want to avoid harvesting an unripe acorn squash because an unripe acorn is totally boring in taste.

But generally, most varieties of acorn squash are often ready to be picked 75 to 100 days after seed planting. This will majorly depend on the right conditions you give them and one important factor is sunlight. Acorn squash should be supplied at least 6 hours of sun per day.

So how exactly do you know when acorn squash is ready to pick? Let’s find out.

When To Harvest Acorn Squash

Here are some ways you can tell when acorn squash is ready to pick.

1.    Color

One easy way to tell if your acorn squash is ready to be picked is from its color. A matured or ripe acorn will turn green then the portion of acorn squash that has been in contact with the ground would have a visible yellow patch.

Acorn squash which is still immature will have a shiny skin look compared to the ripen squash that will have a more dull look.

2.    Stem

Once your acorn fruit is ripe, a couple of inches which is connected to the stem will become withered and brown.

3.    Skin Texture

The skin texture of the acorn squash is another way to tell if they are ready to pick. A ripe acorn skin texture tends to be hard. On the other hand, an unripe acorn skin texture will be soft.

One good way of testing the maturity of the acorn fruit is by pressing your fingernail on the skin and try to make a mark on it. If you were successful in marking the fruit and the mark is noticeable, then it isn’t ripe yet. However, if you find it hard to make a noticeable mark on the tough skin, then it’s ripe.

4.    Time

As we mentioned, acorn squash will take about 75 to 100 days to become mature. But this should be after the seedling transplanting stage has passed. However, if you wish to calculate from the seed stage, you can add 2 weeks to the harvest time.

So, if every other tip fails, simply set a reminder and calculate 75 to 100 days or roughly 3 months after seed plating.

Organic Acorn Squash

How To Harvest Acorn Squash

Once the acorn squash is ready to pick, use a sharp knife or a sharp tool to harvest your fruit. Aim at cutting the fruits 5 cm or 2 inches away from the stem. Avoid cutting the fruit too close to the stem. Cutting the acorn squash too close to the stem can predispose the plant to bacterial infection which can cause the plant to spoil.

We recommend you only harvest the ones you are ready to use. Leave the rest on the vine and allow it to harden some more so they can ripe fully. So far the weather is warm enough, the squash is safe and it will continue to mature. However, you should harvest them if they are prone to frost.

Storing Acorn Squash

Once you’ve harvested your acorn squash, storing them appropriately is important. This is so they can last longer and maintains their quality as you store them. Below are some important tips to storing your acorn squash appropriately:

• Temperature: Store your harvested acorn squash at a temperature between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, store them in a cool dark place such as a pantry, basement, or warmer area of a root cellar.
• Humidity: The appropriate relative humidity to store your acorn squash is around 50 to 70%. Also, make sure your harvested acorn squash has adequate ventilation or airflow to encourage longer storage.

Generally, store acorn squash in a cool dry location. Refrain from piling up your harvested acorn fruits. You should rather create space between these fruits and spread them out in single rows.  This will help make air circulation easier and it will also avoid bruising of the fruits. You can as well freeze your acorn squash to store them for long.

FAQ’s

Final Thoughts On When Are Acorn Squash Ready To Pick

As we can see, harvesting acorn squash is not so difficult if you have the right knowledge on how to go about it.

So we hope you’ve learned some good things you need to know about when acorn squash is ready to pick.

Cucumber grows in two forms and they are vining and bushy manner. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing more on vining cucumber. Vining cucumber varieties can grow up to 6 to 8 feet long or even more. Hence, they usually require support such as a trellis.

Growing vining cucumbers will require more space because they tend to grow larger. The good thing is that they will produce more fruits compared to bush varieties.

In this post, we will be discussing what you need to know about vining cucumber varieties. We will also be looking at some additional information on this. So, let’s begin.

Types Of Cucumbers

As we mentioned earlier, there are two types or two ways cucumber grows. They include bush and vining cucumber.

• Bush Cucumber: Bushy cucumber variety grows in a bushy or compact manner. They normally grow about 2 to 3 feet long and don’t need a trellis. They also don’t require too much space and you get abundant yield all the same.
• Vining Cucumber: Vining cucumber grows in a climbing manner. They can grow as tall as 4 to 6 feet in length or even taller. Their produce is always in abundance and their structure usually requires trellis for support.

Cucumbers can as well be grown for 3 different reasons and they are for slicing, pickling, or seedless cucumber.

Slicing cucumbers are grown for their juicy taste. They are grown for immediate consumption. They are thick in shape and dark green and they are longer than pickling cucumbers.

Pickling cucumbers are shorter and stouter in shape. They have more spines and their flesh is dry. They are meat for pickles.

Then we have the seedless cucumber also known as burpless cucumbers.

Climbing Cucumbers

Vining cucumber plants do climb as they grow. Climbing cucumbers or vining cucumbers usually spread and climb up in a vertical manner. Therefore, support such as stake or trellis is always required.

Vining Cucumber Varieties

These vining cucumber varieties tend to grow on strong and vigorous vines and these vines are shaded by large leaves. Vining cucumber growth is very rapid and they will produce plentiful harvest so far you care for them properly. The best way to grow vining cucumber varieties is to train them up with trellis.

Growing Cucumbers On A Fence

To get a more successful result and less stressful work, we recommend you grow vining cucumbers on a fence. You grow them on a fence by training them using a trellis. Naturally, cucumbers tend to climb, but if we don’t provide them with any support to climb, they end up spreading on the ground.

Growing cucumbers in a climbing way will give a cleaner growth and result in more prolific yield and it saves more space. Also, it will be easier to pick them when you grow them this way.

Growing Fenced Cucumber

Here is how you can grow cucumbers on a fence using trellis:

• • To begin your climbing cucumber, you can make use of an existing fence in your garden. This fence should be a wire type of fence. For example, use a chain link or chicken wire. This way, the tendrils on the cucumber vines can have a support to hold on to.

  • However, if there is no existing fence in your garden, then you should make one. Do this by driving two stakes into the ground at each end of the row where you will be growing your cucumber. Then stretch a part or section of chicken wire between these two posts. Then staple the chicken wire to the posts.

  • Once you are done building the fence, you can begin planting your vining cucumber. Plant the cucumber at bottom of the fence 12 inches or 31 cm apart.

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• • When the cucumbers begin to grow, train them to grow up the fence you’ve built. Do this by gently positioning the growing vines on the fence. When you notice the cucumber vines have begun to wrap their tendrils around the wire, you can stop assisting them. They will keep on growing and climbing on the fence on their own.

  • As the fruit begins to appear and develop, the vines o the fence are more than capable of supporting the weight of the fruits. So, you don’t need to do anything else. However, when you begin to pick your cucumbers, ensure you cut the fruit off with a sharp garden tool. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruits off the vine to prevent hurting or damaging the vine.

Benefits Of Growing Cucumbers In A Fenced & climbing Manner

Growing vining cucumber varieties with the help of trellis on a fence offers great benefits. Here are some of these benefits:

• • Growing cucumber in a fenced and climbing manner saves more space.

  • It’s much easier to harvest your cucumber fruits once they are ready on the vine.

  • You also enjoy abundant harvest while utilizing lesser space.

  • Cucumbers are heat-loving plants and they require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. So, growing them on a fence with trellis will provide your cucumbers adequate access to sunlight which can enhance fruit production.

  • Pest and diseases can be easily monitored or controlled when your cucumber plant is fenced or trellis.

  • Foliage wetting is drastically reduced on the trellis. Too much water splashing can spread disease. Even if the leaves do get wet when it rains, they tend to dry faster compared to when they are overcrowded and grown on the ground.

FAQ’s

Vining Cucumber Varieties: Conclusion

There are two main types of cucumber and they are bush and vine cucumber. Bush cucumber spreads and grows in a bushy manner. Vine cucumbers on the other hand grow in a vertical manner especially when they are supported with trellis.

The vining cucumber varieties are a great type of cucumber to grow in your vegetable garden. They will produce abundant yield and you will always enjoy fresh cucumbers in the comfort of your home.

Did you know apart from the regular orange carrots we know, there are also white carrots? Exactly! White carrot vegetable is a thing. But what are white carrots called?

Growing up, what we are most familiar with is the orange carrot. However, weigh before orange carrots became established around the 15^th century, white carrots were grown in Europe. The white carrots were mostly fed to cattle back then. But humans can as well consume these white carrots.

We will be discussing what white carrots vegetable is called. We will also be discussing some other amazing facts about these white carrots. So continue reading to gain some knowledge on this.

What Are White Carrots Called?

The white carrot vegetables are known to be Daucus carota subsp. Sativus. Arracacha is also a white carrot name.

About Carrot & White Carrot

White carrot is a type of root vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae or carrot family and their veg is also used as herbs.

Initially, carrots were grown in different colors such as red, yellow, green, black, purple, and white, as well as orange. There is a narrative or theory that during the 17^th century, orange carrots were bred in the Netherlands in honor of the Duke of Orange.

He led the struggle for Dutch independence. This orange carrot become popular even around the world and became the carrot standard color. So since then, the orange color got stuck and was normalized.

Iran and Afghanistan are where carrots have been known to originate. They contain more genes than humans which are around 32,000 genes. In Afghanistan, carrots were initially white before they were crossed breed to give rise to orange color.

The white carrot doesn’t have any pigmentation and this makes them white.  Their flavor tends to be smoother compared to orange carrots. Cultivars of white carrots include snow white, lunar white, and white satin.

Generally, arracacha or white carrots don’t get as big or fat as the traditional orange carrot does. A white carrot usually grows thin and can be roughly an inch wide. They also tend to grow longer. Arracacha is enriched with vitamins and nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Importance Of White Carrot

Although white carrots may be regarded as having lesser health benefits because of their lack of pigment: these carrots are still as nutritional as their counterparts.

Here are some nutritional benefits of white carrots:

• Arracacha or white carrots contain naturally occurring substances called phytochemicals that enhance general health.
• White carrot is rich in antioxidants.
• The phytochemicals and antioxidants that white carrot contains can also assist in blood sugar regulation. It can as well help in delaying the effect of aging, and enhance immune function.
• They also contain a natural bioactive compound found in plant foods that collaborates with nutrients and dietary fiber. And this defends against most diseases.
• These carrots are majorly used in baby foods to prevent them from coming up with orange skin.
• Arracacha or white carrot can lower the risk of colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. They are also great for digestion.
• White carrot can as well help in blood sugar regulations.
• This white carrot is low in calories and is also a great source of starch. They have high starch content that ranges from around 10% to 25% and their tiny starch granules are very similar to that of cassava.

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• White carrot is also rich in folate, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin E.
• Another great benefit of white carrots is in terms of dental health. They have been known to kill bad germs in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
• Diets that are rich in beta-carotene such as white carrots may contribute to protecting against prostate cancer.
• White carrots may also play a role in protection against heart diseases and stroke.

Eating carrots raw are great food. However, some research has shown that cooking these carrots may help enhance their nutritional value.

White Carrots & Parsnips: Differences

Take note not to confuse the white carrots with parsnip. Parsnips may be in the carrots family, but they are different species. White carrots may look like parsnips but they are different and don’t even taste the same. White carrot has a mildly sweet flavor and they always taste like carrots.

Parsnips also tend to have a more golden color or ivory color and a more nutty flavor. Parsnip also tends to be larger compared to the white carrot.

The most obvious difference between parsnip and white carrots is in their flavor. Parsnip has this almost spiced-tasting flavor. Parsnip also has a reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon, the white carrot on the other hand has a sweet taste that is closer to winter squash.

Both white carrot and parsnip can be mixed and eaten together. However, if you want to get the best out of their flavor, you should attempt recipes that will highlight the uniqueness of each vegetable.

Can Pregnant Women Eat White Carrots?

Pregnant women can eat white carrots. It’s a healthy and nutritious food that provides essential vitamins and minerals to both mom and her unborn baby. 

White carrots contain high amounts of folate and iron. Like other carrots, they’re also a great source of beta-carotene. This is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for developing healthy eyesight. White carrots also contain other essential nutrients. Pregnant women will get a healthy dose of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C when they consume this root veggie. These nutrients will support a healthy pregnancy. 

Pregnant women must eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. White carrots are a tasty and nutritious addition to this diet. Pregnant women can enjoy it cooked or raw in a variety of dishes. 

If unsure, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice. 

How To Cook Arracacha?

Arracacha is commonly used in South American cuisine. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. You can cook it in various ways to add nutrition to your dishes. Here are the basic steps to cooking arracacha:

1. Peel the arracacha with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Rinse it under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
2. Cut the arracacha into small, bite-sized pieces, and place them in a pot of boiling water.
3. Cook the arracacha for 10-15 minutes or until it is tender. You should be able to pierce it easily with a fork.
4. Drain the arracacha and transfer it to a bowl.
5. Season the arracacha with salt, herbs, and spices, like cumin, garlic, or chili powder, to taste.
6. Serve the arracacha as a side dish, or add it to soups, stews, or other dishes for flavor and nutrition.

You can also roast, mash, or fry arracacha for a unique flavor. I suggest experimenting with different cooking methods and seasoning to find the way you enjoy this delicious and versatile veggie best!

Conclusion

What carrots are called or known as arracacha? Generations of people have grown up believing that all carrots have always been orange. But we actually have white carrots. White carrot is a great alternative to vegetable carrots you can grow compared to the traditional orange carrot known.

Arracacha or white carrot also offers great benefits such as improving general health. They are rich in folate, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin E.

FAQ’s

Let’s talk about kabocha vs. buttercup squash. Kabocha squash and buttercup squash may look similar in appearance but they aren’t the same. However, they are both from the family of gourds.

Kabocha and buttercup squash may look weird and unattractive but trust me, their taste is simply unique. These two squash are used among chefs, home cooks, gardeners, and professional growers because of their excellent culinary features and small size.

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between kabocha and buttercup squash, we will be discussing that in this post and more. So continue reading to gain some info on kabocha vs. buttercup squash.

What Is Kabocha Squash

Kabocha squash is a Japanese type of winter squash that is gaining popularity these days for good reasons. Kabocha is a universal term for winter squash and pumpkin in Japan. Then in the United States, the term kabocha is regarded as a kind of Cucurbita maxima squash that was bred in Japan.

They are round in shape and they look kind of like a pumpkin and they have a belly button. Their outer layer is very hard and knobby with a rich green color.

Kabocha squash skin is absolutely edible. Then the inner flesh has this lovely orange-yellow color. This squash has a sweet and a bit of a nutty taste. Some even swear it has a cross-taste between a pumpkin and a sweet potato.

So, because the kabocha squash is a winter squash, they are mostly seen in the market starting from early October up until March.

They are filled with rich beta-carotene, iron, fiber, vitamin C, and other great nutrients. They are low in calories and carbs. One cup of kabocha squash is just 40 calories and 7 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore, kabocha squash is simply a delicious awesome plus to any kind of nutritious diet.

When you go shopping for kabocha squash, look for the ones that are heavy for their size and don’t have any soft spots. These are the ones that aren’t dried out and it’s still fresh and has enough moisture.

When you harvest your squash or you just shopped for one, just keep them in a cool dry place. You can simply leave them on your kitchen counter and they can last up to a month.

Read more about How To Tell If Zucchini Is Ripe

What Is Buttercup Squash

Buttercup squash is also a type of winter squash. It is one of the tastiest varieties of winter squash. They are squatty and round and they also look like a pumpkin with a belly button. Their rind or outer surface is green and the inner flesh is orange-yellow.

Their flesh is edible and simply juicy. Just like the juicy flesh, its seeds are as well an awesome snack food. The seeds are also great for roasting.

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You can find this juicy sweet flavor winter squash all through fall and winter at your local grocery store or farmers’ market.

Buttercup squash is also packed with great nutrients such as vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and fiber. When you have the flesh color more intense, the more vitamin A it has.

Buttercup Squash Vs Kabocha

Some people may think buttercup squash and kabocha squash are the same because of their similar appearance. But this isn’t so. It’s pretty easy to confuse these two squash so this is why we will be looking at their differences. So let’s look into kabocha vs buttercup squash.

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Kabocha Squash Vs Buttercup Squash

Kabocha squash and buttercup squash may appear similar but don’t confuse them together because they are not the same. Here are some points to differentiate these two squash:

• Size, Shape & Moisture: Buttercup squash is a bit bigger than kabocha and buttercup also have a bit of moisture than kabocha. The shape of buttercup squash is blockier than kabocha squash. Buttercup squash also has a boxier shape compared to kabocha which has a rounder shape.
• Base: The base of kabocha squash usually appears button-like. Buttercup on the other hand has a distinctive round ridge on its base.

• Exterior Part: the exterior part of buttercup squash is smoother compared to kabocha. The exterior of the kabocha is dark green and has some light stripes.
• Flesh: Kabocha however has a denser flesh. The flesh of buttercup squash is sweet and dry but not as dry as the flesh of kabocha squash. Buttercup flesh is also liable to have brighter yellow compared to the hues of kabocha.
• Seed Core: The seeds in the inner part of buttercups are packed much closer to their base. The seeds packaging for kabocha on the other hand is more centered.

Check Out Best Way to Germinate Seeds in Hydroponics

Buttercup Squash Kabocha Similarities

As we said, people confuse kabocha and buttercup squash because they are pretty similar. Here are some similar features you can find when it comes to kabocha vs buttercup squash:

• Both kabocha and buttercup are shaped like pumpkins and these two squash have thick skin. They are both round with dark green color.
• Both have a belly button.
• Their inner flesh is both orange-yellow.
• Both kabocha squash and buttercup squash are winter squash.
• Both kabocha squash and buttercup squash are great for culinary use.

How Long Does it Take for Buttercup Squash to Mature? 

Buttercup squash can take up to 110 days to mature. Most early harvests are reported at 90 days. 

Seeds take between 7 and 14 days to germinate. By day 50, you’ll start seeing fruits. These take a few more weeks before they’re ready for harvest. Buttercup squash fruits aren’t particularly big. To determine if your squash is ready, feel its cap. If the cap is firm, the squash is ready for harvest. 

How Long Does Buttercup Squash Last? 

You can store your buttercup squash for about 13 weeks. Under ideal storage circumstances, it’ll stay fresh. I suggest using a dark cabinet, drawer, shelf, or pantry. The average temperature should not exceed 50°F. 

Before using your stored buttercup squash, you can test it for freshness. If the squash feels firm, it’s still good to use. Soft, mushy areas indicate that it’s past its time. 

When is a Kabocha Squash Ripe? 

Kabocha squash takes about 55 days to mature. After this, they’re ripe and ready to harvest. Depending on which type you grow, you can look at the skin color to determine ripeness. Most varieties will be green, orange, or gray. Here are more ways to test for ripeness:

1. Knock on the squash a few times. If it sounds hollow inside, it’s ripe.
2. A ripe kabocha squash will have a shriveled stem.
3. The stripes on a kabocha squash will start fading as it ripens. 
4. The skin of your kabocha squash should feel firm if you press your fingernail on it. 

Keeping track of when you sow your seeds is a great way to know when the fruit will be ready. You can log the germination period and when the flowers start budding too. 

When Do You Harvest Kabocha Squash? 

You can harvest your kabocha squash when it’s ripe or even before. It will continue to ripen off the vine. If you fear frost, I suggest getting your squash off the vine before it hits. You can also use frost cloth if you’re confident this will help. Typically, kabocha squash is ready to harvest in late summer and early fall. 

The longer you leave kabocha squash on the vine, the better it will taste. However, you can harvest it as soon as it reaches its mature size. This can range from 1.5 to 5.3 pounds, so it might be tricky to figure out if your squash is ready on this indicator alone. 

Is Kabocha Squash Acidic or Alkaline?

Kabocha squash contains a ton of goodness. It’s buttery and easy to digest! If your gut isn’t a fan of acidic foods, you’ll be happy to know that kabocha squash is alkaline. You can turn this winter squash into a favorite comfort food. There are many ways to prepare it, and its pH is neutral once cooked and digested.  

This squash also contains vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s packed with potassium, manganese, folate, riboflavin, and copped. You’ll also get dietary fiber when enjoying it. 

Kabocha vs Buttercup Squash: Additional Say

With kabocha and buttercup similarities, it’s no surprise these two squash are often confused or mislabeled. Even with their differences, both kabocha and buttercup squash are regarded as a single type in breeding and marketing. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

So there you have it differentiating kabocha vs buttercup squash. So if you’re puzzled about these two squash, simply look through our guide to point out the differences.

Learn more about Can You Eat Kabocha Squash Skin?

FAQ’s

There’s a whole of tomato species beyond the known ruby red ones and this variety is so unique and they are called heirloom tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are a genetically flavored fruit that has rarely been crossed with any other variety. So, let’s take a look at growing heirloom tomatoes.

These heirloom tomatoes are so unique and are pure breed tomatoes. They are not even new because they have been in existence for a long. It is an open-pollinated non-hybrid kind of tomato that has been passed down from season to season. So, is growing heirloom tomatoes a straightforward process?

Let’s dive in and discover how to grow these scientifically sweeter tomatoes.

Heirloom Tomato Plants

Heirloom tomatoes may be funny-looking or weirdly shaped, but they definitely not breed in the lab. Hence, they are pure breed tomatoes. They are called ‘heirloom’ because they haven’t been crossed with any other variety at least not for a very long time (usually as long as decades or even centuries).

These special tomato breeds have been passed down from generation to generation of family, ethics, religion, and so on. Called family heirloom, mystery heirloom, or created heirloom.

Generally, there are different types of fruits and vegetables that are heirloom. But for the purpose of this post, we will be discussing growing heirloom tomatoes plants. For tomatoes, there are about 15,000 known heirloom varieties. However, we only have about 3,000 of these tomato heirloom varieties been grown to this day.

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

These tomato varieties are seasonal. You can find heirloom tomatoes at your local farmers’ market from late summer into early fall.

It is pretty easy growing heirloom tomatoes from seeds. The seeds of heirloom tomatoes are passed from season to season through generations of farmers. When you grow tomato heirloom seeds of one variety, the seeds will give rise to identical offspring to their parent plants year after year. Isn’t that amazing? Open-pollinated plants meaning their pollination is natural. So,  there’s no genetic modification.

Therefore, you can save your seeds and grow the same tomato next year and expect a similar identical product as last year.

Tips On How To Grow Heirloom Tomatoes

Growing heirloom tomatoes is not so complex and they are fast-growing plants that will produce ripe fruits in 60 to 80 days of seed sowing. The best period to plant heirloom tomatoes is around spring when the danger of frost has elapsed.

Healthy Soil

One essential component to growing heirloom successfully is using healthy soil. Use rich loamy soil that permits the root to penetrate deeply. Apply compost, leaf, or manure up to 50% and blend it with the soil.

Growing From Seeds

These tomatoes are great to grow from seeds. With a most and sterile soil mix, the seeds should be pushed gently into the soil. With the right temperatures (about 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and conditions, you should begin to see germination in about a week of seed sowing.

Spacing

Space heirloom tomato plant 2 to 3 feet apart. Growing tomato side by side with basil is ideal. They are great natural fly repellent. However, there are some plants that are not advised to be planted alongside these tomatoes. Plants such as potatoes can suffer from blight, so avoid planting these in the same garden space.

Reduce Disease Pressure And Staking

Most heirloom tomato varieties lack resistance to some diseases. Therefore, it’s important you try to reduce drastically any disease pressure.

Heirloom tomato tends to grow pretty large. Therefore, one important thing you can do is to stake the plant so as to prevent the plant from touching the ground. This is because the plant can pick up any disease spore by touching the ground.

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Watering

Proper watering is very essential in heirloom tomatoes especially when it’s time for fruit production. You should water deeply to promote deep root systems. The plant requires moisture and avoids soil dryness. Soil dryness can cause issues such as fruit development, cracking of fruit, and even blossom end rot.

Sunlight, Temperature, And Humidity

Supply heirloom tomato plant with direct full sunlight all day. These plants also require a warm temperature to grow optimally. Before you begin planting outdoor, wait until night temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Humid conditions have no effect that can bother the heirloom tomato plant.

Fertilization

These tomato plants are heavy feeders. Hence, they require optimal or regular fertilization to flower and produce fruit. You can make use of either organic or chemical balanced all-purpose fertilizers.

Harvesting

You can harvest these juicy tomatoes right before their color peaks. Avoid leaving them for too long on the vine as this can cause cracking. Once the fruits start becoming soft, it means they are already approaching their peak.

Heirloom Vs. Regular Hybrid Tomatoes

Both heirloom and hybrid tomatoes appear the same and have similar growing requirements.

An heirloom tomato is a special pure breed tomato that is even sweeter than the regular tomato that has dominated the commercial world. Most regular tomatoes have been bred to look like animated tomatoes that appear plump, round, red, and easy to store.

The regular tomato was majorly modified for consistency rather than flavor. Hence, the regular tomatoes give rise to watery, less flavor, thicker skin, and mealy fruits. Heirloom on the other hand offers distinguishable qualities.

Heirloom tomato tends to have thinner skin, juicer flesh, and they taste better than most regular hybrid tomatoes. Therefore, when handling them, they require more care because of their thin skin.

One main drawback is that heirloom tomatoes have shorter shelf life compared to regular hybrid tomatoes. Make use of your heirloom tomato as soon as possible.

FAQ’s

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes Conclusion

Heirloom tomatoes are easy to grow just like the regular hybrid tomatoes. Follow our tips to learn how to successfully grow your heirloom tomato plants.

Most of the green bean varieties we have are now stringless. These are the newer cultivars that have been bred to reduce strings. Hence, we can refer to them as green beans without strings.

The two main green bean varieties are pole beans and bush beans. These two varieties come in different cultivars ranging from, meaty Roma types, to broad, thin, and delicate French filet beans. The bean pods can come in round or flat shapes. They can as well come in different colors such as green, yellow, or mottled.

Let’s dive in and take a look at the various green bean varieties we have.

Stringless Green Beans Varieties

As we have mentioned, stringless green beans are of two types, namely; bush beans and pole beans. All of which come in dozens of cultivars. So, let’s take a look at these two stringless green bean types and their varieties.

Bush Beans – Stringless Beans

Bush bean is a type of stringless green bean variety that grows in a bushy manner. This type of bean does not require support because the plant will grow together and support each other when properly spaced.

Here are some bush bean cultivars and some info on them:

Contender

Contender is a type of bush bean variety that grows within 50 to 55 days. This type of cultivar is one of the best bush beans for cool or short summer gardens. It is also heat tolerant. These beans are so flavorful and give rise to about 6 to 8 inches of slightly curved stringless pods.

Provider

The provider is another bush bean variety that takes about 52 days to reach maturity. It produces medium-green, round, stringless pods of about 5 and a half to 6 inches long. Its tasteful flavor is retained even after pickling.

This bush bean variety tends to thrive well in cooler soil or cool weather. It is also ideal for early or late sowing and does well in heat and adverse weather. It can therefore be adapted for various regions.

Maxibel

Maxibel bush bean cultivars will give rise to slender stringless pods of about 7 inches. They are dark green filet beans and they will mature in about 60 days.

Jade

The Jade bush bean variety is a very productive and flavorful type. They will mature in 60 days and produce straight dark-green round pods.

Blue Lake

Blue lake bush bean cultivar will produce long, stringless pods, with deep rich colors. Their maturity period is around 51 to 60 days and their pods are rounded with 5 to 6 lengths. The bushy plant is about 12 to 22 inches long.

Harvesters

This harvester is another bush bean variety that thrives well in warm southern areas. It takes about 50 to 60 days to reach maturity. Their pods are round, stringless, medium-green pods and they range from 5 to 6 inches long.

Green crop

The green crop takes about 55 days to harvest. They have great flavor and they are tender and meaty. Their pods are flat and are 8 inches long but half-inch wide. It can be used fresh or used for freezing or canning.

Top crop

The top crop is another great bush ban variety that takes about 45 to 53 days to harvest. They are meaty, tender, and flavorful. Their pods are emerald green, straight, stringless pf about 6 to 7 inches long, and slightly curved. They are also oblong, round, and mottled.

The plant will grow about 18 inches to 24 inches tall. They are ideal for eating fresh, freezing, and canning.

Top Crop Bush Green Bean Seeds

Derby

Derby bush bean is another variety that takes 57 days to reach harvest and they have great flavor. Their pods are green, straight, dark, and oval. The pod is about 7 inches long. However, it’s best when picked at 5 inches long. They are excellent for freezing and canning.

Pole Green Beans

Pole green beans from their name grow pole manner and will require support. They can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall. Here are some varieties of pole beans and their characteristics:

Fortex

Fortex is a type of pole bean variety that will take about 60 to 70 days to mature. They give rise to one of the most extended pods of pole bean and can grow up to 11 inches. Their pods are round, stringless, and slender and they have dark brown seeds.

Kentucky Wonder

The Kentucky wonder pole beans are an American classic that produces tasteful pods that are great for eating fresh, canning, pickling, or freezing.  it takes about 58 to 72 days to mature. Kentucky wonder beans give rise to prolific and disease-resistant yield.

Blue Lake

Blue lake pole bean variety will attain maturity in 62 to 75 days. They offer sweet and juicy flavors and can be canned, frozen, or baked. Their pod appearance is oval, straight, and dark green and the bean is stringless. Their pod length is about 5 and a half to 7 inches long.

Scarlet Runner

Scarlet runner pole beans will take 70 days for young pods to grow and 115 days for shell beans. They give rise to edible and delicious when young. The pods will toughen as they get to the maturity stage or full size.

They grow large, and vigorous, and are climbers that give rise to big pods. They will also grow large beans if they are allowed to attain good maturity.

The scarlet runner bean also produces flowers or blooms that attract fascinating hummingbirds during summer.

Romano

The Romano is another flavorful and meaty pole bean variety. It is quite popular in Europe because of its unique flavor. It will take about 60 to 70 days to attain maturity.

Kwintus

The Kwintus pole beans are a flavorful and tender bean variety. Their pods are long, flat, and green and can grow up to 11 inches in length. They can grow up to 8 feet tall.

How Do You Plant String Beans From Seed?

The best way to grow beans has a lot to do with providing the right growing conditions for them. Here are some guidelines to help you produce the best beans harvest;

• Beans grow well in well-draining soil with normal fertility. The pH of the soil needs to be acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.0-7.0.
• Prepare the soil by adding well-aged compost or manure a month to a week before planting.
• Set up support such as a trellis or a pole for your beans before planting. Beans do not like having their roots disturbed, so make sure  to put up the support before planting
• Directly seed your beans into the soil outdoors. The best time to sow is any time after the last spring frost date in your area.
• Plant the seeds after the soil has warmed up to at least 48°F. Do not get impatient and plant too early because the cold soil will delay germination and cause your seeds to rot.
• Do not start the green beans indoors. Because their roots are fragile, they may not survive transplanting. They are also really fast growers so there is no added benefit to starting them indoors.

How to:

• Sow bush beans – 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
• Sow pole beans – 1 inch deep, placing them around supports
• For a continual harvest that lasts all summer, sow seeds every two weeks
• Practice crop rotation, planting crops in different areas each growing season to avoid the build-up and transfer of pests and diseases

How Deep Should I Plant Green Bean Seeds?

Plant green bean seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil, in rows that are between 2 and 4 inches apart. In areas that are a bit drier, green beans can be planted in double rows that are about 6 inches apart.

How Long Does it Take Green Bean Seeds to Germinate?

Green bean seeds will germinate in 5 to 10 days after planting. This is provided that the best conditions for germination, are;

• temperatures of between 60° and 85° Fahrenheit
• sow the seeds in a sterile soil mix
• give the seeds sufficient time to grow

When Do You Plant Green Bean Seeds Outside?

The best time to sow green bean seeds outside is at least 10-12 weeks before the first frost.  Plant the seeds every 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 6 inches apart. This method of planting is efficient and will also make it easy to harvest.

How Long Are Green Bean Seeds Viable?

Many seeds, including green bean seeds, will remain viable and maintain great germination for around three years if they are stored well. Some can even last for centuries depending on the conditions of the seeds and how they are stored.

To keep them safe and ensure good germination rates, keep them in a cool and dry place. Make sure that the place is safe from rodents and other creatures that may eat and destroy the seeds. It is also a good idea to keep them in a dark room.

Final Say On Stringless Green Bean Varieties

Stringless green beans have so many amazing and tasteful bean flavors. They have two major varieties which are pole ban and bush bean. These two major varieties also come in different cultivars and we’ve listed some for you.

FAQ’s