This article explains how to grow the best organic buttercup squash. Welcome to Shebang, your free information site.
How to Grow Superior Buttercup Squash
The very best squash is grown in compost. The result is a very tasty and moist meaty squash. Buttercup squash grown in plain dirt tends to be on the dryer side and loses much of its flavor.
Build a frame above ground approximately six feet by six feet (2m x 2m) and about two to three feet in height.
Never use railway ties or landscape ties treated with preservatives. Toxic substances leaching into the soil will harm the plants and humans. In the Fall, fill this framework with leaves, grass, kitchen vegetable, fruit scraps, eggshells, and garden vegetation. Do not put meat or meat by-products in the compost bin. Do not use grass that has herbicide or poisons applied to it. Mix in a few shovels full of dirt in each layer of six inches.
In the Spring, place an upright eight foot 2x4 on each end of the bin and span across the bin with a 2x4. Tie and drop bailing twine down from the cross over beam, and space about a foot and a half between each twine.
The squash will later be trained to climb the twine.
Dig four or five holes across the center and fill with garden dirt, plant the squash seeds here, approximately one inch deep. I prefer Buttercup squash, but the choice of squash is yours. Plant the seeds after threat of frost is gone (germinates in 10-15 days). Keep the ground moist. The plant will grow slowly at first, and by July, the plant will grow up to six inches a day. Each day carefully wind the new squash growth around one of the strings of twine.
Water the bin well each day during the flowering period, do not let it dry out. The lower leaves will yellow if you underwater. Once the foliage is approximately six feet high and well filled out, pinch off any new growth so all the energy goes into growing fruit.
Fruit will store well if placed in a cool room, but the squash should be clean and dry without bruises or scratches. They last right into March.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
How To Cook Buttercup Squash
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place squash in a large pie plate with about 1/4 inch of water. Place the squash with cut side down and microwave for about twenty minutes or until done depending on the heat rating of your microwave.
Then you only have to place the cooked squash on a plate, add a little butter, salt and pepper to your liking and enjoy. If you pick your squash early in the season you can eat the skin also, as it is very tender at this time and very tasty.
Buttercup Squash Dietary Information
Buttercup squash is high in calcium and dietary fiber and one of the best sources of beta-carotene. The squash consists of 85% complex carbohydrates and has a protein source of about 12%. The combination of the two makes for a great energy food. The skin is rich in iron. The best part is, it is not only healthy, but also scrumptious.
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