Question:
We started our very first vegetable garden this year with Crookneck Squash, Cucumbers, Peppers, and Tomatoes. We were so excited to pick our first two squashes! But, oh no, they weren’t edible at all. The skin was super hard, thick, and tough, almost like a pumpkin’s skin. What went wrong?Answer:
- Don’t be discouraged by this problem.
- It sounds like you waited a bit too long to pick your squash! I’d suggest picking the next squash about a week to ten days sooner than you did with the first ones.
- Crookneck Squash is just right when it’s about five to eight inches long and three to four inches in diameter.
- When left on the plants too long, they get warty and gourd-like, with a rough skin. Plus, the inner walls can get thick, making them inedible.
- There is a slight learning curve in determining the optimal time for harvesting, but you will quickly acquire this skill by observing and feeling the squash.
- Also, don’t hesitate to harvest them at various sizes and stages to identify what works best for you.
- The leaf stems are delicate, so handle them gently when you’re picking. A pair of garden scissors would be a great tool for this.
- Here are a few other growing tips: Give your squash a little TLC by gently lifting any that are touching the ground.
- These young fruits can spoil quickly if they’re always in contact with the damp soil. You can give them a boost by using a Dixie cup to lift them up, which will help keep the skin dry and give them some air to breathe.
- Keep an eye on how much you water, because Blossom End Rot is a sneaky problem that often pops up this time of year.
- This disease can turn your squash yellow and cause it to rot right after it starts growing. Wet conditions or watering that’s not quite right are usually the culprits.
- Even though you want to keep the water coming, you should change how often you water each week, depending on the weather.
- Water more often when it’s hot and less when it’s cooler. You can find all this info in the seven-day weather forecast in newspapers, on TV, or on your smartphone.
Question:
I planted two dozen Gladiolus bulbs this spring. After they finished blooming, I uprooted them all. Now, I’m wondering how to care for them until I can replant them. Should I cut off the green leaves?Answer:
- Oh no! It looks like you took out the Gladiolus Bulbs a bit too soon.
- Gladiolus Bulbs, like all the other spring and fall bulbs, are best removed when the leaves turn brown and easily come off the ground.
- The ‘after bloom period’ is crucial for the bulbs’ well-being in the upcoming year. During this phase, they accumulate the nutrients required for their growth and development. Therefore, it’s advisable to fertilize them with Bulb Food during this period.
- Unfortunately, I think it’s best to start over with a new set of bulbs.