Seed Saving Circle No 8 PUMPKIN CIRCLE

[vicky]

The Grapevine Seed Circle Number 8 - Pumpkin Fest

A circle for all things Cucurbitaceae (this family includes the Pumpkins, Squashes, Courgettes, Cucumbers, Melons, Luffas etc- but for ease it'll be known as the Pumpkin Circle)


The idea is:

16 of us grow some Cucurbitaceae seeds for sharing out.

Then we share them out.

Simples .

The idea is that this thread can become a place to share what we are growing, when it is coming up to harvesting, and where we are all with things.


Note, plants from this family are able to cross pollinate with each other.

The different groups within the family will not cross with each other (so your cucumbers and melons or pumpkins and courgettes can't cross etc)

Here's some more info on the different groups
How to Save Pumpkin Seeds: Squash, Gourds & More


Also, post any queries or techniques that we have devised to stop cross polination and preparing the seed.

Here's some help on preventing cross pollination
How To Save Seed


Ok - first job.

Post on here which variety you feel you can save in 2011 - but if you change your mind, no worries.

First come, first served.....

1 - Vicky - Lady Godiva Squash, Chicago Warted Hubbard, Big Max, Achocha,
2 - Zazen
3 - Northepaul -
4 - poly
5 - Lizzy - Butternut squash
6 - Mrs Dobby
7 - Gillian62
8 - Ophiopogon - Pumpkin Caspar,
9 - Ginger ninger
10 - Jeanied
11 - King Carrot - Baby Bear mini pumpkin, Queensland Blue Squash, Striato d'Napoli Courgette, Wautoma Cucumber, Tamra Cucumber
12 - Splatcat - Atlantic Giant
13 - Frostyfreckle - Sugar Pie Pumpkin
14 -
15 -
16 -


Good luck!

[sbeneli]

May I join in? I'll have fat baby achocha seeds for definite. I'm not sure what else yet!

[vicky]

Sounds good! Do they really taste of green peppers when you cook them?

[sbeneli]

Sounds good! Do they really taste of green peppers when you cook them?

They're similar, but not exact. They're perhaps a bit milder. I had an absolutely prolific crop this year from three vines, and I think it was one of my favorite things to grow. My freezer is filled with them, and I throw them into stirfries and chili all the time.

[northepaul]

Please may I join? Although I have not had much luck growing squashes so far, I am dedicating a precious veg bed to them this year. I am planning on growing potimarron...

[vicky]

Glad to see you!

[poly]

I'd like to join too please, I'm not sure yet what, so I'll have to get back to you on that. But probably a cucumber and a squash/pumpkin.

[vicky]

Lovely poly - you're number 4

[Lizzy]

Can I join in as well please, I will grow some butternut squash, might grow some others, will let you know later.

Liz

[vicky]

Number 5 for you lizzy!

[Mrs Dobby]

I'm in if you've got room? Grow about 14 varieties of squash and pumpkins, so shouldnt have a problem saving some seeds!

[vicky]

Hooray - another one! You'll have to keep a check on their promiscuous ways!!!

[sbeneli]

Sorry to drop out, but I think the squash club parcel will be better suited for me since I already have seeds to share now (and I think most of the other cucurbits that I want to grow this year may be a bit too difficult to keep from crossing at my allotment)!

[zazen999]

I'll take your place then if that's ok Vicky?

[Mrs Dobby]

Ok, Ill start the ball rolling with our planting plans for 2011

Planned varieties for this year
Pumpkins
Hundredweight
JackOLantern
Conneticut Field
(these are our non Hybrids - We're growing another 4 types, but they are all hybrids)

Squashes
Zucca Marina di Cioggia
(another 7 types too, but all F1's, sorry)

Courgettes
Zucchinni
(and another 7 varieties of hybrids)

Hmm, I thought we had more non hybrid types, but obviously not, perhaps Ill have to go to the GC and see if I can find some more non hybrids (At least its a good excuse! lol!)