Fall is squash season. If you’re thinking, I had zucchini in August, is that not a squash? It sure is but fall brings to mind the winter squash family with their thick outer shells, unlike the easy to peel skins of the summer squash family that flourished in the RCG.
October brings a return to making winter squash stews and casseroles. Pumpkin pie is a tradition enjoyed at the Thanksgiving family dinner and around the neighbourhood eye-catching pops of colour are seen on doorsteps decked with winter squash. The pumpkin seems to be the favourite choice with its vibrant orange colour and its transformation into a jack-o’-lantern to scare off the evil spirits of Halloween eve.
So, I wondered, if the pumpkin is so popular in the fall, why are pumpkins not grown more in Calgary? The reason, you need a lot of space and warmth. June sometimes does not have the best weather for starting seeds and pumpkin seeds germinate best in very warm soil temperatures.
However, do not despair, pumpkin seeds may be started in small containers indoors then transplanted to large containers outdoors in June or July with a maximum of two plants per container. With a little time, deep watering, fertilizer and love you should have a pumpkin to enjoy as a decoration or as protection on Halloween eve.
The Smiling Gardeners
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