Harvest Time for Spaghetti Squash: Insights on Picking Maturity and Ideal Harvesting Moments
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In this informative guide, we'll walk you through the process of growing, harvesting, and storing spaghetti squash, as outlined by Larry Meyers, a seasoned lawn and landscaping expert with over 10 years of experience.
Planting Spaghetti Squash
When planting spaghetti squash, sow the seeds about 1-1.5 inches deep, ensuring the soil remains moist. For best results, provide plenty of sunlight and space, with plants spaced around 3-6 feet apart. Mound or hill planting in poorly draining soil can also be effective, with mounds around 8-10 inches high.
Curing and Caring for Spaghetti Squash
After picking the squash when it's ripe, leave it in a warm, dry spot for about 10-14 days to cure. This process helps the squash last longer and improves its flavour. Use trellises to support vertical growth, prevent rot, and ensure better air circulation.
Watering and Fertilizing Spaghetti Squash
Water deeply, about 1-2 inches per week, and use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Apply compost and a balanced fertilizer early on, then switch to a higher phosphorus and potassium mix as fruit sets.
Signs of Readiness and Harvesting Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is ready to harvest when its skin turns a rich yellow and feels hard to the touch, usually around 90-110 days after planting. The squash should be 8-14 inches long, and the stem should be brown and hard.
Storing Spaghetti Squash
Store cured spaghetti squash in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to last long after the growing season ends. If you need to store cut squash, wrap the cut sides in plastic wrap and store in the fridge, which will keep it fresh for up to 14 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the cooked squash in a well-sealed container or freezer bag, and defrost it overnight in the fridge to retain the best texture.
Cooking and Using Spaghetti Squash
Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. If you notice any signs of decay, like soft spots or mold, use the squash immediately or cook and freeze it for later use.
Larry Meyers' latest posts cover a variety of topics, including when to plant tulips in Missouri, snail bait safety for dogs, and when to plant pumpkins in Michigan for Halloween. By following his expert advice, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious spaghetti squash.
- Maintaining a lifestyle that fosters a home-and-garden space can lead to enjoying homegrown, healthy, and nutritious produce like spaghetti squash, as outlined in the informative guide by Larry Meyers.
- To extend the enjoyment of homegrown spaghetti squash beyond the growing season, store it in a home-and-garden area that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated according to the tips provided by Larry Meyers in his comprehensive guide.
