Can I cut the ends of the vines off when they get about ten ft. long to stop the vines from growing and have more energy going to the fruit.
By Russell F.
Yes you can! I included a picture of different squash but same principle.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I grew buttercup squash this year and now I don't know what to do with it. The squash is developing a white skin on the bottom. How do I know when to harvest? Does it need to rest before storage and how do I store it?
Hardiness Zone: 8b
By Judy from Yelm, WA
I cut mine in 1/2 and scoop out the stringy stuff and seeds. Then I turn them over in a pan and put some water in the bottom (about an inch) and bake till the flesh is soft. The turn over and scoop it out. From there you can freeze it and use it in dishes but I think one of the best ways to use it is in soup. Here is a recipe I just love .......in fact I just got done eating a bowl of it. Note, the recipe said you could use one 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese and that is what I did. I used the lower fat version. This is oh so good!
I grew this squash for the first time this year and it is amazing! She ("Buttercup") has taken over half of my 60' garden, she even grew up on my fence and I have lovely squash growing everywhere! It is so yummy, just like sweet potato! Pick the squash when they are about 2 lbs and a nice dark green; the skin will have a different texture, a little harder. You can definitely tell the difference between the young unripe squash and the ready to pick. Clip the squash off the vine, leaving as long a stem as possible on the squash. Lay them out in a single layer in a cool, dry area to cure for a few weeks, turning them once in a while to ensure good air circulation. Then place them (in a single layer) in a cool cupboard or pantry and they are ready to use and will last several months. Enjoy!
I planted two buttercup squash plants. They are now huge and there is an 8" to 10" green squash growing. Is this a summer squash or a winter squash? I have also planted butternut squash which I always have. I know this is a winter squash and when ripe has a light brown/tan outer skin.
By Joe Burto from Boston, MA
Both squash varieties are a winter squash. They both should be picked when the vine starts to die back. Once cut off the vine they should be cured before storing.
Check out these photos.
I love growing winter squash. Long after the summer vegetables have been harvested, we can still enjoy fresh from the garden produce. It's much too hot to even think about butternut squash soup, but that's where this little guy is headed.
