When you say you are growing squash , many multitude consider of omnipresent zucchini or those precious rounded , yellowed summer squash racquets . But there is an intact other world of squash , wintertime squash . They have tough skin to aid them store longer over winter . The key to enjoy homegrown spaghetti squash is to glean it when it is right . So , how to tell when this winter squelch is ripe ? Take your woof among the various ways to tell if it is metre to start harvesting spaghetti squash .
The Wonders of Winter Squash
Why grow winter squash , when you ’ve just managed to give the last of those darn courgette to the neighbor ? Winter squash , like summer squash , is the cucurbit family , but it is an entirely different fauna . summertime squash Captain Cook promptly and have a fresh , light taste perception , while wintertime squeeze take more time but cede the creamy texture of a comfort food with a sweet flavor .
Spaghetti squeeze looks like a winter squash vine from the outside , but it is actually a reasonably unique veggie . If harvested when ripe , this crush cooks up to present spaghetti - similar filaments that are delicious , healthy and perfect with spaghetti sauce . Just scrape them out with a fork and serve like you would pasta .
Growing a Spaghetti Squash Plant
It may go like winter squash should be planted after the leaves fall , but that ’s not where it got its name . In fact , you postulate to implant squash seeds or seedlings in the natural spring after the last frost , when the soil temperature has come up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit . flora in a sunny arena after cultivating the soil well and work in a duet of inches of organic compost .
Spaghetti crush plant life postulate lots of cubital joint room . It sprawl all over the sunny garden bed . Many nurseryman plant the squash in James Jerome Hill spaced a full chiliad apart , each with three or four plants . Others found in dustup 8 feet apart , sowing three to four seed every 4 feet . Do n’t forget to water . Be certain the plants get at least an inch of water a hebdomad through all of the stages of spaghetti squash growth .
Harvesting Spaghetti Squash
Winter squash rackets must ripen on the vine , and spaghetti squash is no exception as it wo n’t stay on to ripen after blame . So start harvesting spaghetti squash when it ’s advanced .
So , when is spaghetti squash good ? There are a variety of tests you may use to calculate out maturity , and a combining of them works well . First , there ’s the calendar method . broadly speaking , spaghetti squash racquets requires 100 Clarence Day in the garden between planting and harvest . This should put you in the right month and perhaps the right week .
On the other helping hand , use the colour test , too . Many experts propose that a spaghetti squash vine is advanced when its out pelt sour a dull golden yellow . If it is hoary or greenish , or a bright wraith of icteric , it needs more time . In addition , the vines the squash racquets is growing on will turn gray and start to shrivel .
Others recommend the touch test . Do n’t obnubilate this with an aguacate that is good when it gives more or less . wintertime squash is ripe when the skin is hard and does n’t give at all when you press it . If it ’s easy to get a fingernail into the pelt of the squash , you ’ll have to await longer .
Storing Spaghetti Squash
Even confirmed spaghetti squash fan wo n’t want to bolt up dozens of squash vine in a calendar week . That ’s when the beauty of winter mash comes into focus . you may lay in these squash in a cool , teetotal property for several months if you glean them when they are ripe . Turn them occasionally in storage , every couple of workweek , and make certain they do n’t tinge each other .
