Harvest time in the garden

Seminole Squash/Pumpkin

We've harvested the last of our Seminole Squash.  This is the third large harvest we've had from about six plants.  This time we picked all the squash, regardless of maturity.  Seminole pumpkins can be eaten when mature, or used like summer squash when they are still green.  If you have the space, and you want a dependable and delicious vegetable to enjoy throughout the winter (they keep for up to a year with no refrigeration if picked when mature), this is the plant for you.  They have deep orange, dense, sweet flesh much like a butternut squash.  Use this squash in recipes for sweet potatoes or pumpkin, in muffins, pies, and other baked goods, in stews, roasted, just about any way you can imagine.  Versatile and delicious.  Learn more about Seminole Squash here:  Sturdy Seminole Squash Provides Much Food With Little Effort 

Harvest time provides some other surprises.  Let some of your spring plants go to seed even if you are not seed saving.  The roots will continue to provide sustenance for soil micro-organisms, and the flowers of many varieties will give weeks of pleasure for you and the desirable insects in your garden such as bees.  This romaine surprised us all with it's beautiful blue flowers which have been in residence for over a month. 

Romaine lettuce in fall bloom