

Protect from slugs and snails, especially in damp weather. Space bush varieties 90cm (3ft) apart and trailing varieties 1.5m (5ft) apart. Plant young squash plants into prepared ground (see above), taking care not to disturb the roots. Alternatively, stand them outdoors during the day, then bring them in at night for a week, and the following week leave them out in a sheltered spot all day and night. Do this by placing them in a cold frame or under a cloche for a week. But first, harden off to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions. You can plant indoor-raised or bought plants outside after the last frost.
Baked carnival squash how to#
Watch food writer Nigel Slater exploring the winter squashes grown in RHS trials, with tips on how to cook different varieties. So be sure to choose varieties that suit the amount of growing space you have available.Īlso look for varieties with an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), as these should crop reliably – see our list of AGM fruit and veg. Smaller varieties can be grown in large containers, but most fare best in the ground. There are also bush types, which stay reasonably compact, although still take up about a square metre/yard.

Some varieties are vigorous trailing plants that spread for several metres/yards or can be grown up supports. Within each of these two types, there are various other categories based on fruit shape, including acorn squashes, patty pans and crooknecks, and there is a vast choice of varieties too, with fruits of various colours, sizes and flavours.
Baked carnival squash skin#
The fruits of summer squashes have a thin skin and (like courgettes) don’t store for long, while winter squashes, such as butternuts, can be stored for several months. There are two distinct types of squash – summer and winter. Summer squashes are soft skinned, best picked young and used straight away, while winter squashes are usually grown to maturity, then dried off and stored for use into winter. There are many different types and varieties of squash, but they’re broadly classified as either winter or summer squashes. Trailing types can be allowed to sprawl over the ground if you have plenty of space or can be trained up sturdy supports. Squashes are usually grown in the ground, as they need plenty of space, but compact varieties of summer squash can be grown in large containers. In the right growing conditions, they can be highly productive, especially the larger trailing plants. They are usually started from seed indoors in spring, so do need some attention initially, but once settled in outdoors they usually only need regular watering. RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 17-21 July 2024Ĭlosely related to courgettes and pumpkins, squashes are grown in a similar way, thriving in rich soil, with lots of sun and regular watering.RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 2–7 July 2024.Malvern Autumn Show - 22-24 September 2023.The seeds, when consumed in moderation, are a great source of healthy oils including linoleic acid (polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid) and oleic acid (the same monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil). It is also a very good source of dietary fiber. Winter squash are rich in carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A, and are a good source of vitamin C.

Until then, enjoy this roasted acorn squash salad. Its also a nice break from some of the heavier holiday fare you may be indulging in.

The dish that comes together is simple, elegant, and all kinds of nourishing. The roasted squash quarters become a receiving vessel for the salad, which is topped with the crunchy roasted seeds, and some crumbles of cheese (I had home made ricotta in my freezer). It's seeds are roasted along side, and a simple green salad is tossed up while the squash is in the oven. Carnival squash (or acorn squash, or whatever kind of squash you prefer) is quartered, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper, then roasted till tender and golden. I'm hoping we land to some reassuring news on that front.īefore we go up in the air, I wanted to leave you with one last recipe you might want to add to your holiday table: Roasted Acorn Squash Salad. While we're in the air, our baby sister, Pamela, is going to be having reconstructive surgery on her hip. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.Ĭheerio! I'm writing from my sister's flat in London sipping on a mimosa before we all (Paul, my sister Emily, my brother-in-law Andy, and I) head back to Heathrow and hop on the long flight to Vancouver. Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with winter greens, crumbled cheese, and toasted seeds served in a roasted squash bowl.
