A Load of Squash

This is the 4th year that we have gotten a) a lot of butternut squash, b) a prize winning whopper that is at least 15 pounds.

It all started in 2003 when we inadvertently grew some butternut squash. Some seeds from a squash we had bought ended up in a flower bed and started to grow. Rather than pull it out we left it to grow. Even though some of the later squash got nipped by frost, we had some great squash that fall.

So in 2004, we thought "hey, let's grow some squash." Since we had good luck with squash from the grocery store, we decided to do the same. If we had bought a package of seed, all we would have got was some seed. This way we got to eat the seed package.
We bought a squash early in the spring. We saved a few seeds and deliberately planted a few plants. The seeds were so vigorous, their roots started to sprout with just a few hours of soaking. Some of the squash grew very large. A few were 18 inches or longer and very thick. So we saved th e seed from those big ones.
In 2005 and 2006, those seeds again produced a bumper crop of fruit. Squash soup became one of our favourite fall foods.
This year again, we planted those same original saved seeds from 2004. How long will those seed remain viable?

Just to be safe this year we are planning to save the seeds from the big 16 pounder.

The seniors at my mom's apartment are having a squash soup luncheon today - the squash supplied by us. They have had squash soup luncheons for at least 2 years each fall.

We have found that one of the easiest ways to prepare butternut is to simply slice them into 1/2 inch sections, put them into a large container, pour a little oil on them, mix up the slices. Then throw them on the barbecue. You can add a little cinnamon or cloves, but just oil is just great. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy squash.

Care of Portulacaria Bonsai

A- Indoors

Light- as much light as possible. Sunny window is best. Turn every few weeks so plant does not grow one way.

Temperature- will tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degress F. (10 C)

Watering- allow to dry between watering. Can be neglected. Suggest watering every 2 weeks with a good soaking. Water stress will show if the leaves start to wrinkle. Underwatering better than overwatering.

Pruning- Generally pinch off the new growth to control the plant’s shape. Don’t want to get long stems between the leaves. The plant grows with opposite leaves. As a branch grows, pinch off the end whenever there are one or two leaves. This way the plant will stay bushy.

Fertilizing- shouldn’t be needed until about April. Then feed with a water soluble fertilizer such as miracle grow or 20-20-20. 1 teaspoon to 2 litres. Use the liquid fertilizer about once a month.

Future pruning- right now the plant is sort of a bush. As the height increases, you could consider removing the lower branches and leaves to make it more like a tree.

Repotting- Next summer, once acclimatized to outdoors, suggest lifting out of pot, putting half to ¾ inch of potting soil in the bottom and re-planting. Then remove a half inch of the soil on top to expose the roots.

B- Outdoors

In summer, it is good to put outside when danger of frost is past (after June 1^st through to early October in Southern Ontario.) Acclimatize to outdoor sun by placing in an area with no direct sunlight for 10 days. Then move gradually to full sun.

Plant will grow quicker as the weather gets warmer. Trim regularly. Any trimmings can be stuck in a pot and they will root quite easily.

Watering in the heat of the summer when outside can be as often as every other day.

Fertilize once a month- when outdoors.

See these plants earlier in the summer.

A. http://kingofgreen.blogspot.com/2007/05/portulacaria-bonsai-too.html

B. http://kingofgreen.blogspot.com/2007/05/portulacaria-bonsai.html

Care of Bonsai Plants