Everything There Is to Know About Winter Squash

Vego Garden
Vego Garden

Winter squash is a vegetable that's perfect for cold winter months. It's also easy to grow, so you can plant some right in your Vego Garden Bed! Winter squash comes in many different varieties and colors, so there's something for everyone. Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing winter squashes.

What is winter squash?

Squash is a type of fruit that's harvested throughout the early winter. It can be eaten raw or prepared as a side dish, and can even be baked into desserts. Winter squashes are harvested after the skin has hardened and chlorophyll production has stopped; they provide many health benefits, including beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium.

Everything There Is to Know About Winter Squash | Vego Garden

Types of winter squash

Winter squash is a staple of many American kitchens and can be used in everything from soups to casseroles. It's also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. But how do you know which type of winter squash to use? If you're not sure, here are some common varieties:

  • Carnival
  • Buttercup
  • Acorn
  • Hubbard
  • Sweet Dumpling
  • Kabocha
  • Pumpkin

How to grow winter squash

To grow your own winter squash, plant seeds in a raised garden bed. Raised garden beds are excellent for growing winter squash as you will have complete control over your plants' soil. Be sure to prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to the empty space in your raised bed or garden.

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The most important thing to note when growing winter squash in raised gardens is to make sure that your plants get plenty of sun exposure throughout their growing season. If you live in an area with high winds and heavy rainfall during the summer months, consider covering or staking larger varieties (like pumpkins) so they don't blow over or rot after being damaged by rainwater/wind exposure during hot days where there isn't much humidity in the air (which can lead to fungal infections).

To harvest winter squash, simply cut the stem off of each fruit with your Vego's Hori Hori Garden Knife, and then store the whole thing in a cool place (away from heaters or fireplaces). It should keep for several months.

Everything There Is to Know About Winter Squash | Vego Garden

How to cure winter squash

Curing is a process that helps to preserve winter squash. The curing step will remove excess moisture from your winter squash, which prevents mold and extends its life. The curing process can be done in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage.

  • Wash the outside of the winter squash with warm water and soap (dish detergent works well). Rinse thoroughly and let air-dry for at least 1 hour before proceeding to Step 2 below.
  • Slice each end off of the bottom of your squash so that it can sit flat on its bottom without rolling over or tipping over while drying.
  • Place your cured winter squashes in an open box with good ventilation on one side where they will be exposed to plenty of moving air.

Winter squash recipes to try

Winter squash is a staple in the winter and fall, but it can be hard to find recipes that use it. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate winter squash into your menu plans and some options that are perfect for those looking for a healthy alternative to comfort food. Here are some recipes to try:

  • Squash Casserole
  • Squash and Pumpkin Soup
  • Pumpkin Pie with Winter Squash

Everything There Is to Know About Winter Squash | Vego Garden

Winter squash is a delicious and nutritious way to get more vegetables into your diet, and it's the perfect time of year to start growing your first crop. You can make all sorts of dishes using this vegetable, such as soups, pies or even salads! Trust us, it's completely worth it. We hope you enjoyed learning all there is to know about winter squash!