spagetti squash

[Nicos]

Not heard any one mention they are going to grow any. We grow them every year and they are one of our favourite crops. Easy to grow- like marrows, but are sweeter and have the unusual texture inside like juicy spaghetti. The kids have always loved them, probably because they enjoy scratching out the inside with a fork and because they aren't 'slimy' like courgettes.They also store well into the winter and best of all, they never seem to be sold in the shops. Half a spag squash,a big blob of butter and a few minutes in the microwave and there's lunch! Anyone else growing them?

[Elmo]

I haven't grown them before but I think you might have just inspired me to have a go!

[Lesley Jay]

I was put off them when I read an article that said they weren't nice and were really watery. I will give them a go because I think my Grandchildren will like scraping the spagetti out. You cook them whole but for how long?

[Cab]

Growing a new-ish variety from T&M this year, called 'hasta la pasta'.

[Jaxom]

I love spaghetti squash, haven't eaten it for a few years now but will have to seriously think about growing them. What I would like to do is plant winter squash in pots and grow them up poles/sticks or wigwams. Can anyone advise please on what winter squash will climb up rather than sprawl along the ground?
Jax

[Nicos]

I cut it in half,put a knob of butter in it cover the dish to help it steam and then microwave it for a few minutes. Depends on it's size how long- maybe 10 mins. You know when it's ready cos you can break up the insides with a fork. Yes- it is juicy but you can mix the juice in with home made soup. enjoy!

[Nicos]

I imagine you could train any up a pole- with support. Some probably better than others. I've seen photos of a type of Indian veg ,similar to squash, being trained up a pole and the weight of the veg was supported in tights. Any idea of what that would be?

[Lesley Jay]

Jaxom I grew Sweet Dumpling last year for the first time and it spread across the ground. It also had lots of tendrils (I don't know if that is the right word) those curly bits that help a plant cling. So my guess would be that Sweet Dumpling would make a climber. It's the acorn style squash - not too big.

[BigstU]

When I was younger and lived on a farm I grew spaghetti squash and another favourite banana squash.I grew them on two big heaps of well rotted farm manure, the harvest produced enough squash to last the winter.I loved growing them and so easy.

As for cooking I advise cut in half scoop out the seeds and save, season and put in the hollow plenty of butter.Put the two halves back together and wrap in foil and cook in the oven for about 1hr at 180c.

Think it's about time I grew these again, not sure where I could get the banana squash seeds from......anyone any ideas?

[Geordie]

BigStu,

Try viaverde seed company....they do a variety called Blue Banana

They are also my favourite seed company.....I know many of you will have chosen and ordered for this year but please visit their website, read about why they do what they do....oh and the veg tastes great as well. It is run by Ben & Kate and they share many of the sentiments expressed on this forum.

http://www.vidaverde.co.uk/

[BigstU]

Thanks Geordie

Unfortunately they don't do the one I grew, but it did provide the name of the variety.

It's called 'Jumbo Pink'

Has helped narrow the search

[Nicos]

Would like to try this if you track it down. Would you let me know how you get on??? Ta!

[BigstU]

Just did a google search and found a garden centre in the Manchester area that sell the seeds, I will contact them tomorrow and post back with any news.

[Pilsbury]

Loved growing these as a kid and have only found the seeds again this year so they will be my squash of choice for 2006.

[BigstU]

The garden centre I tried don't have these Jumbo Pink squash seed in stock.....so the search continues!